Is A Common Pain Reliever Safe During Pregnancy
- By Kelly Bilodeau, Executive Editor, Harvard Women’s Health Watch
For years, products containing acetaminophen, such as the pain reliever Tylenol, were largely viewed as safe to take during pregnancy. Hundreds of widely available over-the-counter remedies, including popular cold, cough, and flu products, contain acetaminophen. Not surprisingly, some 65% of women in the US report taking it during pregnancy to relieve a headache or to ease an aching back.
But recently, a group of doctors and scientists issued a consensus statement in Nature Reviews Endocrinology urging increased caution around acetaminophen use in pregnancy. They noted growing evidence of its potential to interfere with fetal development, possibly leaving lingering effects on the brain, reproductive and urinary systems, and genital development. And while the issue they raise is important, its worth noting that the concerns come from studies done in animals and human observational studies. These types of studies cannot prove that acetaminophen is the actual cause of any of these problems.
Ibuprofen While Pregnant: Not Safe
The CDC cautions against pregnant women taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which includes ibuprofen, as well as opioids during pregnancyafter a study was conducted that linked these types of pain medications with an increase in birth defects.
Studies show that use of NSAIDs increase the chance of spontaneous miscarriage, with one studystating that prenatal use of NSAIDs increased the chance of miscarriage by 80%.
Drs. Plummer and Mandal both warn that ibuprofen may be the more popular NSAID, but there are many other pain medications that should be avoided during pregnancy. These include:
- Ibuprofen
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Tylenol While Pregnant: Safe
Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, is the safest option to take during pregnancy however, take as little of it as possible for the shortest course, says Soma Mandal, MD, a board-certified internist at Summit Medical Group in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey.
Women who took acetaminophen were less likely to have birth defects, Dr. Mandal says of the study.
While acetaminophen may be the drug of choice when looking for pain relief while pregnant, its still important to read the labels every time you purchase medication.
Avoid combination medications, so you do not end up taking an unnecessary medication or a dangerous medication, says Danielle Plummer, Pharm.D., the founder of HG Pharmacist. For example, Excedrin has not only acetaminophen but also aspirin and caffeine, so avoid it.
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Sciatica During Pregnancy: How To Relieve Pain
Being pregnant can be loads of fun, with baby showers, cute maternity clothing, and the preparation for your new baby. But if you have cravings, mood swings, or sciatica, pregnancy can feel more like a chore.
There are many things that can be frustrating about being pregnant, but having sciatica pain might be one of the worst. Like a headache, it can completely derail your plans for the day and make trying to sleep at night miserable. But what exactly is sciatica pain during pregnancy? If youre not sure if you have it or are looking for sciatica pain relief, read on. We define what it is and ways to ease it below.
Can Painkillers Affect Your Pregnancy
An animal study by the University of Edinburgh and Copenhagen University Hospital suggested that the long-term usage of painkillers during pregnancy can alter the DNA formation in the baby, which could affect their future fertility. This research, however, did not consider the influence of other factors. The study raises concerns and recommends the use of painkillers with caution during pregnancy .
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Precautions To Be Taken When Consuming Opioid Painkillers During Pregnancy
If your doctor prescribes these opioid painkillers during pregnancy, then:
Quitting Painkillers When Pregnant
If you have been using OTC painkillers and found out that you are pregnant, then talk to your doctor about it and stop their use if advised by them.
Opioid painkillers should not be discontinued abruptly as that can have an adverse effect. Consult your doctor and discuss how to taper the dosage and duration of these medications, and stop the medication gradually .
Pain during pregnancy can cause certain discomfort, but it is not wise to pop painkillers until it is necessary. Try non-drug measures such as relaxation, breathing exercises, massage, hot douches, etc., to manage mild pain and visit a doctor if these alternatives are not helping. Use painkillers only if your doctor prescribes them.
What is your take on having painkillers during pregnancy? Share your views with us in the comment section below.
References:
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Prescription Painkillers/ Opioid Analgesics
Drugs that fall under this category are sold only on prescription.
Drugs like morphine, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, codeine, and oxycodone are known as opioid analgesics. Studies indicate that the use of these drugs during pregnancy has not been linked with an increased risk of major or minor malformations .
However, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that women who took NSAID and opioid pain medicines during the early stages of pregnancy could have babies with birth defects such as gastroschisis , cleft palate, spina bifida , and congenital heart defects . They may increase the possibility to produce a premature birth, or preterm labor or a stillbirth.
Also, prolonged usage of these drugs, especially in the latter stages of pregnancy, might pose a risk of maternal addiction and neonatal withdrawal . producing neonatal abstinence syndrome or NAS . So always check with your doctor before taking these pain medications.
Pain Management In Pregnancy: Multimodal Approaches
Padma Gulur
1Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Care, University of California, Irvine, 333 The City Boulevard West, Suite 2150, Orange, CA 92868, USA
2Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Gray-Bigelow 444, Boston, MA 02114, USA
Abstract
1. Introduction
Nonobstetrical causes of pain during pregnancy are very common and can be incapacitating if not treated appropriately. A recent study, with a cohort of more than 500,000 pregnant women in the United States, found that 14% of women filled a prescription for an opioid at least once during the antepartum period and 6% of women received opioids throughout all trimesters . Additionally, another study reporting on more than one million pregnant women found that prescription opioids were dispensed to approximately one out of five women during pregnancy .
2. Methodology
3. Common Pain Presentations
Throughout pregnancy, several anatomic and physiologic changes occur in the body. These changes can precipitate pain, which in some cases can lead to disability. Additionally, a pregnant state can exacerbate preexisting painful conditions. Pain conditions during pregnancy may be further grouped into a systems-based classification such as musculoskeletal, rheumatologic, neuropathic, and pelvicoabdominal pain syndromes.
4. Musculoskeletal and Rheumatologic Pain
4.1. Low Back Pain
4.1.1. Etiology
4.1.2. Evaluation
4.1.3. Management
4.1.4. Prognosis
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How To Relieve Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy
Pain in the abdomen during pregnancy is very common and perfectly normal as the pregnancy causes multiple changes in your body and anatomy, mostly in the abdominal area. You should know that there are some tricks that will help reduce these pains, but you always have to keep in mind what is the cause of the discomfort to be able to truly remedy it. In this OneHowTo article we tell you how to relieve abdominal pain during pregnancy and to minimise the level of discomfort.
There are many causes that can cause discomfort during pregnancy focusing on the belly area: from an enlarged uterus, the baby’s movements or the position in which you sit or sleep, contractions or stretching of the ligaments that hold the uterus.
Of all these, the most common underlying cause of abdominal pain in pregnancy is uterine growth which is caused by the expansion of the lateral zones inside you. These increase each time the foetus grows inside you. If your child grows very fast, you will feel as if you’ve just pulled a muscle especially in the area of the lower back and the groin.
Back Pain During Pregnancy
Back pain or discomfort is common during pregnancy and should be expected to some degree by most women. Back pain may be experienced during any point of your pregnancy however, it most commonly occurs later in pregnancy as baby grows.Back pain can disrupt your daily routine or interfere with a good night of sleep. The good news is there are steps you can take to manage the back pain that you experience.
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Herbal And Homeopathic Remedies And Aromatherapy In Pregnancy
Not all “natural” remedies or complementary therapies are safe in pregnancy.
Some products used may not be of a high quality and may contain other substances, such as lead, that could be harmful.
Tell your midwife, doctor or pharmacist if you’re using herbal, homeopathic or aromatherapy remedies or therapies.
If you do decide to use these therapies, you should always consult a qualified practitioner.
You should tell your practitioner that you’re pregnant before discussing any treatment.
The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care provides information on qualified or registered practitioners.
Organisations with PSA-accredited voluntary registers include:
Sleep In A Comfortable Position
A maternity pillow may also help you deal with lower abdominal discomfort during pregnancy, especially when you are in the last months of the period. You may feel a strong pressure whilst resting, which can be alleviated if this pillow is used. Depending on the pain you feel, you can put this cushion under your legs, under your breasts or between your legs.
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What Pregnant Women Can Take For Constipation
Safe to take: Metamucil, Colace, Citracel, Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax
If you’re feeling a little plugged up, blame it on a surge in the hormone progesterone that slows down your smooth muscle cells so your bowel movements aren’t as regular. . Dr. Park gives the green light for taking stool softeners and laxatives, but also try upping your fiber intake by eating more fruits and veggies and drinking plenty of fluids. Exercise, with your doctor’s approval, can also help to keep constipation at bay. If problems persist, your doctor may suggest a bulk-fiber laxative, such as Metamucil or Fiberall.
Treatments For Back Pain In Pregnancy
More good news: Unless you had chronic backaches before you got pregnant, your pain will likely ease gradually before you give birth.
Meanwhile, there are many things you can do to treat low back pain or make it rarer and milder:
Continued
More tips:
- If you need to pick something up from the ground, use your legs to squat rather than bend over.
- Don’t wear high-heeled shoes. Choose low-heeled shoes with good arch support. Remember, as hormones loosen joints, you may need to buy a larger shoe size.
- Don’t sleep on your back.
- Wear support hose.
If your back pain persists, you may want to consult your doctor to see what else you might try. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking pain medications. Acetaminophen is safe for most women to take during pregnancy. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen are not advised. In some cases, your doctor may recommend other pain medicines or muscle relaxants that are safe during pregnancy.
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When To Call Your Doctor
If you experience severe abdominal pain during pregnancy, talk to your doctor to ease your concerns and get a diagnosis. Call your doctor immediately if you have pain so intense you can’t sit or lie down comfortably, or if you’re experiencing a fever with chills or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes , as these can be signs of a serious infection.
Untreated gallstones can lead to infection or cholecystitis , which can lead to a ruptured gallbladder. Treatment of cholecystitis often involves the removal of the gallbladder.
When The Benefits Outweigh The Risks
The potential benefits of taking medication need to be weighed against any possible risks. Paracetamol is recognised as an important medication for treating pain and fever during pregnancy.
If left untreated, these conditions could harm the fetus or the pregnant person .
The review authors recognise the potential benefits of paracetamol use and note untreated pain has been linked to increased risks of depression or anxiety as well as hypertension during pregnancy. Fever in pregnancy is a risk factor for multiple neonatal and childhood disorders, including certain birth defects and miscarriage. There is evidence to suggest that use of paracetamol may reduce these risks.
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Should I Stop Taking My Prescription Medicines If I’m Pregnant
Its not safe to stop taking any prescription medicines until you have spoken to your doctor or specialist. This is because stopping treatment of certain conditions might cause problems that can affect you and your baby. Such conditions include:
You might find that your doctor doesnt change your medicine. If your doctor thinks a medicine will cause more harm than the condition itself, then they may change the medicine or the dose, or stop treatment altogether.
Tooth Pain During Pregnancy: What You Can Do About It
Pregnancy is a magical time where youre absolutely glowing except, you know, for the swollen ankles, morning sickness, constant aches you get it. Tooth pain is yet another wonderful symptom of the baby you are growing. But dont worry, experiencing tooth pain while pregnant is relatively common you can thank hormones for this!
The easiest way to minimize tooth pain during pregnancy is maintaining good oral health habits, which includes:
- Not skimping on healthy habits make sure to brush twice a day and floss.
- Rinse your mouth with 1 tsp of baking soda in a glass of water after you get sick.
- Getting a dental checkup during your pregnancy.
If your tooth pain doesnt go away or is severe, seeyour dentist right away. Seeing a dentist while pregnant is totally safe and recommended and its good to get this taken care of before your hands are full with your new baby. If you need help finding a local dentist who takes your insurance, we can help you out. If you have cavities get them fixed before giving birth. You can pass cavity-causing germs to your baby by sharing utensils, food or even kissing. While you wait for your appointment, there are home remedies for a toothache while pregnant that can offer you short-term relief.
Saltwater RinseSwishing warm, salty water around in your mouth can help reduce inflammation, which might offer some relief. Swish the mixture around a few times before spitting it out.
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Home Remedies For Teeth Pain During Pregnancy
If your dentist postpones a dental treatment until the second trimester, theres plenty you can do in the meantime to relieve pain at home. You can start by identifying foods and drinks that exacerbate sensitivity or pain.
Some women find that sensitivity increases when they eat hot foods or drink hot beverages, whereas others have sensitivity to cold drinks or cold foods. Mouthwashes containing alcohol could also worsen your pain.
Rinsing your mouth with warm, salty water might offer some relief from swelling and inflammation. Or, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to relieve inflammation.
Ask your doctor or dentist whether its safe to take an over-the-counter tooth antiseptic containing benzocaine or pain relievers like acetaminophen .
Causes Of Sciatica Pain During Pregnancy
The major culprit of sciatica pain in pregnancy is an enlarged uterus.
You may already know that as your uterus grows larger, it becomes harder to wait between restroom visits. This is because the uterus puts pressure on your bladder, making it hard to hold a normal amount of urine like you used to.
A growing uterus also puts pressure on your pelvic bones, spine, and hips, affecting your sciatic nerve, which can cause sciatica. If youre pregnant and experiencing symptoms of sciatica, your pregnancy is probably the cause.
If you have poor posture or already have an injury that would affect your sciatic nerve, then you may already be experiencing sciatica pregnancy may make the pain worse.
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Use Of Pain Medicine During Early Pregnancy May Be Related To Birth Defects
A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that women who took NSAIDs and opioid pain medicines during early pregnancy were more likely to have babies affected with certain birth defects compared with women who took acetaminophen. However, more research is needed to understand whether the risk of birth defects is related to the medicine or to the conditions that they are being used to treat. More research is also needed to understand which medicines are the safest treatment options for pain management during various stages of pregnancy.
- In this study, slightly more than half of women reported taking pain medicine during early pregnancy.
- Taking both NSAIDs and opioids during early pregnancy may be related to these birth defects:
- Congenital heart defects
What Pregnant Women Can Take For Infections
Safe to take: Penicillin
If you have an infection such as strep throat or an UTI that calls for antibiotics, penicillin is the way to go. “There have never been any birth defects associated with the penicillin family, or any other issues linked to mom or baby,” says Dr. Park. However, the tetracycline and doxycycline families of antibiotics have been found to cause discoloration in babies’ teeth after the fourth month of pregnancy, because these meds affect the calcificationor the hardeningof their pearly whites. “It’s purely a cosmetic thing, but best to avoid those types of antibiotics,” says Dr. Park. At the end of the day, if your doctor prescribes any medications while pregnant, rest assured that the drug probably poses far fewer risks than the effects of an untreated illness or infection
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