Paracetamol
Quick read
Paracetamol can be used throughout pregnancy to treat pain and high temperature (fever).
What is it?
Paracetamol is a painkiller and is also effective in bringing down a high temperature (fever).
Benefits
What are the benefits of taking paracetamol?
Paracetamol is the first-choice painkiller for use in pregnancy. It can improve quality of life by helping to treat conditions including viral infections and headaches. Effective treatment of a high temperature during early pregnancy may also reduce the risk of the baby being born with a neural tube defect (such as spina bifida).
Risks
Are there any risks of taking paracetamol during pregnancy?
No. Paracetamol has been well-studied and there is no good evidence that it harms the baby.
Although some studies suggest that paracetamol use in pregnancy might be linked to behavioural problems in children, experts have shown problems with these studies that make the findings unreliable. Overall, there is no proof that paracetamol exposure in the womb affects a child’s behaviour.
Alternatives
Are there any alternatives to taking paracetamol?
Possibly. Other painkillers can be used (depending on the stage of pregnancy) and some mild conditions may not require drug treatment. However, paracetamol is considered the safest painkiller to use in pregnancy. If a different painkiller is being considered, women should speak to a pharmacist or doctor first to make sure that it is right for them.
No treatment
What if I prefer not to take paracetamol during pregnancy?
Paracetamol is considered safe and there is no reason to avoid it during pregnancy if pain or a high temperature need treating.
Will my baby need extra monitoring?
All pregnant women in the UK are offered a detailed anomaly scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy as part of routine antenatal care. No extra monitoring for major birth defects is required following paracetamol use in pregnancy.
Are there any risks to my baby if the father has taken paracetamol?
There is currently no evidence that paracetamol used by the father can harm the baby through effects on the sperm.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have any questions regarding the information in this leaflet, please discuss them with your health care provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.