Which is better to use when you are pregnant: ibuprofen or paracetamol?

Pregnancy is different for every mother. One hardly suffers from ailments, another can feel bad for nine months. If it becomes too much for you, which is the best thing to take: paracetamol or ibuprofen?

Sure, it’s best to use as little medication as possible during your pregnancy. Because not all medicines are wise to take when you have a child in your belly. But it may be that the pain is unbearable at some point. Then you want to relieve it by means of a medicine. First of all, always discuss this with your doctor: you can only start taking something for the pain during your pregnancy if a doctor is looking at your situation.

paracetamol

The preferred pain reliever during pregnancy is usually paracetamol. You can use this to relieve pain and, for example, reduce fever. There are also few side effects if you take it. Several studies have been conducted to investigate whether paracetamol is harmful during pregnancy. And while more research is needed to definitively establish this, no clear evidence has been found to date to suggest any adverse effects from taking acetaminophen. But experts do think it is important to investigate this further, because there are experts who have questioned this. They think it is important that more research is done into its safety, especially if you use it more than once when you are pregnant.

It is therefore recommended that you take as little paracetamol as possible during your pregnancy. Therefore, only take it if it is really necessary, for example if you have a high fever. But use it briefly and at the lowest dose. And take a maximum of six tablets of no more than 500 mg in one day, certainly no more. If you suffer from persistent pain and you would like to take paracetamol, you can always ask your doctor for advice.

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ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is often used when acetaminophen does not help enough to reduce the pain. It ensures that the pain is soothed and inflammation is reduced. It is best to avoid this medication during pregnancy. Studies show that using it during pregnancy can be harmful, especially in your third trimester. They can slow down contractions and there is a greater chance of a lot of blood loss during childbirth. Kidney function can also be impaired. So, especially during your third trimester, it is strongly not recommended to take ibuprofen.

The conclusion is therefore: use as little medication as possible during your pregnancy. And if you still want to relieve the pain, the best choice is paracetamol – but of course always in consultation with a doctor.

Source: Parents of Nu

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