When it comes to our health and the health of our soon-to-be-born baby, we want to make sure we are making the best decisions for ourselves and for our child. One of the most common questions pregnant women have is if it is safe to take Tylenol for headaches during pregnancy. Taking Tylenol during pregnancy is generally considered safe, but there are certain factors to consider before taking the medication. In this blog post, we will look at the use of Tylenol during pregnancy, potential risks, and what other alternatives are available. By the end of this post, you will have the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not to take Tylenol while pregnant.
Can I Take Tylenol While Pregnant?
Tylenol is a pain reliever that contains the drug acetaminophen. In any trimester of pregnancy, doctors frequently advise pregnant women to take the medication to treat sporadic mild to moderate pain or to lower a fever.
“Tylenol is still really the only safe medication for aches and pains,” claims Dr Sarah Yamaguchi, MD, FACOG.
In fact, about 65% of women have used acetaminophen at some point during pregnancy. It’s considered safer than other over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or aspirin, which have been linked to birth defects. But be sure not to combine Tylenol (or other brands of acetaminophen) with other medications without running it by your healthcare provider.
One of the aspects of the medical profession that I value most is our commitment to conducting research to find better solutions and treatment options. But occasionally, if the results of a new study are not clearly communicated, sharing them can cause unnecessary worry and confusion.
The authors’ assertion that acetaminophen may potentially harm a pregnancy was supported by recent studies. Understandably, this has caused a wave of concern among pregnant patients %E2%80%93 80% of whom report taking at least one medication while pregnant, with acetaminophen accounting for 65% of medications used
These recommendations are identical to what we have previously advised patients. Our recommendation during prenatal care is always to use the least amount of exposure (to any drug or sound waves) to get the necessary benefits. This is true whether we are prescribing medication or performing ultrasounds.
However, a consensus opinion urging caution regarding the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy was published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology in September 2021.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has not issued a direct response to the statement. But in 2017, its Publications Committee published its own review of articles relating to neurodevelopmental outcomes, especially ADHD, in children exposed in utero to acetaminophen. They agreed there was insufficient evidence of a causal relationship between these disorders and prenatal acetaminophen exposure.
Taking Tylenol Extra Strength While Pregnant
In general, Roshan advises expecting mothers to start with regular strength Tylenol. Try the standard formulation first and see how it performs because extra strength equals more acetaminophen (500 mg in each tablet as opposed to 325 mg).
Extra Strength Tylenol is also safe to use, according to Roshan, if regular Tylenol is unable to relieve minor discomforts. However, Roshan warns that neither of these medications should be taken in excess of the daily recommended dose of acetaminophen, which is 3,000 mg, unless prescribed by a physician. Unless specifically instructed otherwise by their healthcare provider, women with underlying liver conditions or a pregnancy-related condition affecting the liver should abstain from taking acetaminophen, according to Roshan.
Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine, an antihistamine present in Benadryl, are the two medications found in Tylenol PM. Both medications have typically been considered safe for use during pregnancy, according to Roshan, but it’s important to make sure use is infrequent rather than consistent. It’s crucial to keep in mind that drowsy-inducing drugs, like Benadryl, can also reduce fetal activity because the baby will also be drowsy, he says.
Try concentrating on good sleep hygiene, such as skipping late-night snacks, turning down your room temperature, and unplugging before bed. Use Tylenol PM only when you’re feeling under the weather. “In general we don’t recommend any sleep aids in pregnancy. Women who are pregnant and have insomnia that isn’t relieved by good sleep hygiene practices should talk to their OB about the best interventions, Roshan advises. “Sleep medications should be avoided unless directed by their provider. ”.
Similar to Tylenol PM, Tylenol Cold and Tylenol Sinus contain several medications. Both contain acetaminophen in addition to phenylephrine, a decongestant found in numerous sinus and cold medications that should be avoided during pregnancy due to its potential to affect placental blood flow.
“This decongestant increases blood pressure by short-term, moderate blood vessel constriction.” This increase in blood pressure in pregnant women may momentarily reduce the amount of blood flowing to the placenta, according to Roshan. Despite the low long-term risk to the fetus, it is advised to steer clear of all drugs that can raise blood pressure during pregnancy, including phenylephrine. ”.
FAQ
How much Tylenol can a pregnant woman take for a headache?
Which Tylenol is safe for pregnancy?
Which painkiller is best for headache during pregnancy?
How do you get rid of a headache fast while pregnant?
- For a sinus headache, apply a warm compress around your eyes and nose.
- For a tension headache, use a cold compress or ice pack at the base of your neck.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals to maintain your blood sugar. …
- Get a massage, especially around your shoulders and neck.