Expectant moms know that they have to be extra cautious about being exposed to anything that might be harmful to their baby. A cigarette, a wedge of Brie, a sip of champagne, a Starbucks PSL — for the sake of a healthy child, most moms-to-be would stoically do without. But how much Tylenol can you take when you're pregnant? What about taking acetaminophen to ward off a backache or a fever? Is this one more thing we have to cross off the no-no list the minute the plus sign appears on the pregnancy test?
Acetaminophen (paracetemol), the generic name for Tylenol, is more often than not our go-to for headaches, backaches, fever, and other assorted aches and pains, whether or not we're pregnant. It also appears in many OTC medicines, such as cold and flu relievers.
"As far as medications, Tylenol is pretty much it for pain [during pregnancy]," Monica McHenry Svets, MD, an OB/GYN at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, tells Romper in an email. "NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, etc., and, of course, narcotics, have their own set of risks, and we try to avoid them altogether in a pregnancy."
As far as dosage, "Acetaminophen should be used at the lowest possible dosage and for the shortest time," says Dr. Svets. For pregnant women, he adds, that means 650 mg every six hours, or 1,000 mg every eight hours. Adds OB/GYN Iffath Hoskins, MD, a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Langone Health: "During the first trimester, the least amount of any medications, including Tylenol, should be taken. For the other two trimesters, Tylenol can be used as needed, while staying within the 'safe amount,' or less than 4 grams a day."
In recent years, however, some troubling information has come to light about the potential risks of taking acetaminophen during pregnancy. In one recent study from Sweden published in the journal European Psychiatry, language delays were more prevalent in 2-year-old girls whose mothers took acetaminophen than in daughters of mothers who took little or none of the drug. (The same effect was not noticeable in boys.) Another study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found an "association" between ADHD in children and acetaminophen use during pregnancy; the risk increased with long-term use in pregnant women.
As scary as that all sounds, it doesn't mean that you should quit Tylenol for the duration. "Many doctors disagree about the strength of the evidence in these studies linking Tylenol to ADHD, autism, developmental delays or behavioral problems. No study actually proves these claims. They only suggest a possible association," Dr. Svets points out. Dr. Hoskins agrees: "Any medication taken during pregnancy could cause harmful effects. However, ADHD and speech delays are quite common, regardless of whether or not they are associated with any external agents ingested." As with many such studies, much more research needs to be done to determine whether there's an undeniable connection between Tylenol use in pregnant women and developmental issues in their children.
Dr. Svets also points out that not taking Tylenol may actually be more risky than taking a safe dosage. Running a high fever during the first trimesterof pregnancy can increase the baby's risk of developing congenital heart defects or facial abnormalities such as cleft lip or palate, according to a study published in the journal Science Signaling. Untreated chronic pain can also have "poor outcomes for both mother and fetus," says Dr. Svets, so trying to tough out the pain without any relief isn't a good solution, either.
Bottom line: If you're pregnant, it's always best to talk to your doctor about what meds are safe to take, depending on your situation. "As with any med in pregnancy, if you don't really need it, you shouldn't take it," says Dr. Svets. But if your doctor okays Tylenol, then go ahead and take the recommended dose needed to treat your pain or fever. And don't forget about heating pads, ice packs, or massages. These time-honored home remedies "can be used for pain relief (or stress relief)" all throughout pregnancy, Dr. Hoskins points out.
Got pregnancy aches and pains? While you may be reaching for the Tylenol, pregnancy might have other plans. So can you take Tylenol while pregnant?
Muscle cramps, backache, headaches.
Before you were pregnant, you might never have thought twice about taking Tylenol when you were in pain.
But when you’ve got a baby on board, something as simple as taking a pill seems to turn into a complicated decision.
So can you take Tylenol while pregnant? The answer is usually yes.
But here’s the full story on taking Tylenol during pregnancy.
In this article: 📝
- What is Tylenol?
- Is Tylenol safe during pregnancy?
- How much Tylenol is OK while pregnant?
- Problems with Tylenol and pregnancy
- Can you take Tylenol PM while pregnant?
- Can taking Tylenol while pregnant hurt the baby?
What is Tylenol?
Tylenol is a brand-name, over-the-counter medication with the active ingredient acetaminophen (known as paracetamol in Europe).
A lot of people in the US take Tylenol for general aches and pains or while recovering from surgery, as it doesn’t often cause a potential bleeding risk, like ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatories.
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Is Tylenol safe during pregnancy?
We have some good news here: yes, doctors overwhelmingly agree that Tylenol should be the first choice of painkiller during pregnancy.
Many medications are off-limits during pregnancy because of their side effects or because we don’t have enough research to show that they’re safe.
But generally, Tylenol is fine to take for the occasional headache, leg cramp, or fever.
It’s still a good idea to check in with your doctor in case there’s anything in your unique medical history that means Tylenol isn’t your best option.
Can I take Tylenol in the first trimester?
Yes, you can generally take Tylenol during pregnancy in your first trimester ‒ it’s not known to cause any issues for you or baby during early pregnancy.
However, it’s important to stick with the recommended dosages, as excessive doses can cause potential issues or health risks.
Is it safe to take Tylenol in early pregnancy?
Yes, you can take Tylenol while pregnant in the first few weeks ‒ even before you find out you’re pregnant.
Can I take Tylenol during the second trimester?
Yup, it should be fine to take the recommended dosage of Tylenol during the second trimester of pregnancy.
Is Tylenol safe third trimester?
Yes, it’s safe to take Tylenol, in its recommended dosage, in the third trimester of pregnancy ‒ it shouldn’t cause any issues for you or baby.
Can I take Tylenol while 9 months pregnant?
Yes, Tylenol is safe to take in late pregnancy ‒ even right up until labor.
Is 500mg Tylenol safe during pregnancy?
What about Tylenol Extra-Strength while pregnant?
Well, it should be fine to take, but as it’s extra-strength acetaminophen, it’s best to check this with your doctor first.
Can you take acetaminophen during pregnancy?
Yes, acetaminophen is considered safe to take throughout pregnancy.
According to this 2017 study, acetaminophen is actually the safest painkiller to take in pregnancy ‒ as long as you follow the dosage guidelines.
How much Tylenol is OK while pregnant?
So how much Tylenol can I take while pregnant?
If you only need to take Tylenol once for a headache, or for a few days to treat a fever, you can take it exactly as you would have done before you were pregnant.
When it comes to the Tylenol pregnancy dosage, it’s just the same as the recommended dose for non-pregnant people.
Just don’t exceed the maximum dose, which is generally two regular strength (325mg) tablets every four to six hours.
As always, double-check the packaging to make sure you have the right dose.
How often can you take Tylenol while pregnant?
You can take just as much Tylenol while pregnant as you can while not pregnant.
Usually, most painkillers can be taken every four to six hours, but if you’re pregnant, it might be better to err on the side of six hours, if you can.
Problems with Tylenol and pregnancy
Even though it’s usually safe to take Tylenol while pregnant, it’s still a medication that enters your bloodstream and crosses the placenta.
There are some things to keep in mind if you’re taking any form of acetaminophen during pregnancy.
Here are some situations where you might want to be extra cautious:
When Tylenol isn’t the medication you need
Say you’re using Tylenol to lower your fever, but you don’t feel any better after two to three days.
You might need a different treatment, like antibiotics for an infection.
At that point, it’s best to stop taking the Tylenol and call your doctor for advice.
When you need long-term pain relief
If you’ve been injured or have chronic pain and need to take a pain reliever every day, your doctor might suggest something different.
Too much Tylenol can damage your liver even if you’re not pregnant.
If the regular dose isn’t enough, it’s time to talk about other options.
When you have a max strength version
Tylenol is available in lots of different strengths and also in combination with other medications that are not recommended during pregnancy (such as ibuprofen or decongestants).
To make sure you’re getting a pregnancy-safe medication and dosage, check that what you have is regular-strength Tylenol.
Can you take Tylenol PM while pregnant?
Tylenol PM is acetaminophen combined with an antihistamine.
The diphenhydramine (AKA Benadryl) in the Tylenol PM is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it can make you drowsy.
Because it crosses the placenta, it can make your baby drowsy too.
You might notice a decrease in the number of kicks you feel in the evening if you take this medication.
If you’re having trouble sleeping during pregnancy, it’s often better to practice good sleep habits like turning off screens an hour before bed, cutting caffeine in the afternoon, and sleeping in a cool room.
Can taking Tylenol while pregnant hurt the baby?
While Tylenol during pregnancy is considered the safest painkiller you can take, it doesn’t come without its risks.
Can Tylenol cause miscarriage?
There are some scary headlines out there that link taking Tylenol while pregnant to miscarriage.
Rest assured, mama, that these stories generally twist the facts, or come from studies that found a correlation but did not officially link taking Tylenol during pregnancy to miscarriage.
Remember, pregnancy loss is never your fault.
So the bottom line? While pregnancy is often uncomfortable, you shouldn’t have to be in pain.
The overwhelming evidence shows that Tylenol is the safest pain relief you can take during pregnancy.
But if you have any questions or concerns about acetaminophen or any other medication during pregnancy, your doctor will be able to answer them.
Does taking Tylenol during pregnancy cause autism?
We can’t definitively say whether taking Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism in babies, as there’s not enough research.
This 2016 study looked at the link between taking Tylenol while pregnant to autism spectrum disorder in babies, but concluded that the limited data they have doesn’t seem to link Tylenol during pregnancy to autism.
Does Tylenol cause ADHD in pregnancy?
Again, we can’t say definitely yes or no as to whether taking Tylenol while pregnant can cause ADHD (attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder) in babies.
This recent study suggests that there is a link between “prenatal and perinatal acetaminophen exposure and childhood neurodevelopmental risk”, but that they need additional investigations to give a definite answer.
Does Tylenol go to placenta?
Yes. While you’re pregnant, most of the things that you consume will travel across the placenta to baby.
That’s why it’s vital to follow the instructions when taking Tylenol during pregnancy, for both yours and baby’s safety.
So, can you take Tylenol while pregnant? Yes, as long as you follow the instructions and don’t exceed the recommended dosage.
Looking for other tips during pregnancy? Why not ask our mamas of Peanut?
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