About Acetaminophen & Pregnancy

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By Nan Kavanaugh
eHow Contributing Writer

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Acetaminophen is one of the few medications considered safe for pregnant women to use in order to alleviate discomfort and fever. However, it is only to be used under the recommendation of a doctor. It is common for pregnant women to overdose on acetaminophen, sometimes causing harm to themselves as well as their baby, so it is important to pay close attention to the proper dosage.

The Facts

Like all medications taken during pregnancy, acetaminophen should be used only if necessary and under the guidance of your practitioner. While acetaminophen does cross the placenta, there is no evidence that taking the recommend dosage for pain relief can cause birth defects in the fetus or miscarriage. Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain similar to aspirin, but unlike aspirin, it does not reduce swelling. It is a member of the analgesics class of drugs (pain relievers) as well as the antipyretics class (fever reducers).

Benefits

There are not many medications that pregnant women are allowed to ingest to relieve the aches and pains of pregnancy every women must endure. Acetaminophen is often prescribed by doctors for pregnant women to alleviate back pain, headaches, and other symptoms of pregnancy. It is inexpensive and is an over-the-counter medication that is easily found at a grocery store or pharmacy.

Risk Factors

Due to the discomfort of pregnancy, it is easy to take more than the recommended dosage of acetaminophen. It is very important to be aware of your consumption because overdosing on acetaminophen can lead to liver failure in both the mother and the fetus. If you have any liver dysfunction it is best to avoid taking acetaminophen. It is best not to take acetaminophen during the third trimester because its blood thinning effect can increase the risk of hemorrhaging during labor. It is also an antiprostaglandin, which can slow down labor and prolong pregnancy. Acetaminophen use during pregnancy has also been linked to an increased risk of asthma in children.

Function

Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and decrease a mild fever. It works by decreasing a chemical in the brain that fuels pain nerves, allowing your pain threshold to become greater. It also affects the part of the brain that regulates heat. It can be taken in pill or liquid form, with or without food.

Time Frame

Acetaminophen should be taken in the recommended dosage of 325-650 mg every four to six hours and not to exceed more than 4 grams in a 24 hour period. It should only be taken for up to 3 days for fever or up to ten days for pain under the guidance of a doctor. It is safest to use during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.