What Pain Relievers Can Be Taken During Pregnancy

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Pregnancy is a period when women experience a different kind of life. The anticipation, the congratulatory messages, the preparations, the movement of the baby inside the womb are all overwhelming for an expectant mother.

But things are not always hunky dory. Every now and then there could be an ache or a pain which you might have to deal with. This could be abdominal pains, headaches, back pain and muscles cramps. You need not always have to endure the pain thinking that medications cannot be taken during pregnancy.

There are many safe medications that can be administered to pregnancy women, the list of which is given below. However, make sure that you check with your gynaecologist before taking any medication and take them only if you need them absolutely.

Herbal Medications

Herbal medications are a wonderful alternative to antibiotics and many consider them very safe during pregnancy. But the fact is that many herbal medications are very potent not safe during pregnancy. You must always seek the help of a herbalist before taking them.

For pain relief, ginger can be taken or massaged onto the head or abdomen without any worry. Other herbs that are mild and can be used for pain relief are comfrey, nettle, red raspberry leaf, chamomile etc. Any other herbal medicine other than these must be taken with guidance only.

Acetaminophen

Tylenol or acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tylenol is known to be very safe during pregnancy and can be used for relieving headaches, back pain and cramps in the legs. It is also administered when you have fever and related pain. However, ensure that the right dose is taken after consulting a doctor. Normally up to 4 grams a day is judged safe for a pregnant mother.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is also a pain medication that can be given safely to pregnant women and also babies. They belong to the group of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs NSAIDs. However, NSAIDs have not been researched thoroughly on pregnant women. In the early stages of pregnancy, they have not shown any possible risks to the mother and baby. But during the third trimester of pregnancy, taking ibuprofen is not generally recommended as it can cause heart complications in the foetus like pulmonary hypertension in the foetus.

Naproxen

Naproxen too belongs to NSAIDs and hence must be taken only under the prescription of a doctor. They too can create the same complications as ibuprofen and hence must be avoided unless you do not have any other choice.

Non Drug Therapies

Sometimes yoga and meditation can help relieve all the muscle cramps and pain associated with pregnancy and prevents you from taking pain medication. A pregnancy massage too can be very helpful in treating sore and painful muscles in the body.

Chiropractics

Back pain and knee pain can be relieved greatly with the help of chiropractic care. Chiropractics helps in aligning the spine and help in dealing with the loose joints that are facilitated through the release of relaxin, to prepare a pregnant woman for labour and delivery.