When a pregnant woman has a fever or feels a headache, she may immediately think of relieving it by taking paracetamol, which can be bought freely without a doctor's prescription.
Paracetamol is indeed the drug most often used to treat fever, pain, headaches, toothaches, muscle and joint pain. But the question is is it safe to take paracetamol during pregnancy?
Use of paracetamol during pregnancy
Paracetamol for oral preparations (taken by mouth) is included in category B according to the FDA ( Food and Drug Administration ). Meanwhile, paracetamol for intravenous preparations (which are injected) is included in category C according to the FDA. This means that animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Although paracetamol is relatively safe for pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, it would be better if pregnant women consult their obstetrician before consuming it, bearing in mind that paracetamol is one of the drugs that can penetrate the placenta barrier, so that its use in the long term during pregnancy or in combination with other drugs still needs attention.
Results of paracetamol research in experimental animals
In 2014 and 2015 a study was conducted to find out the relationship between paracetamol and the risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The results of the study found an increased risk in pregnant women who used paracetamol during pregnancy. However, other factors that influence the emergence of ADHD in children such as infections or a history of mental disorders in the family cannot be ruled out so that these results do not have significant clinical significance.
In animal studies, it was found that there was a decrease in fertility in males and females, which was concluded from a decrease in testicular mass, spermatogenesis, and implantation site. Correlation between the use of paracetamol with congenital abnormalities, miscarriage, or other effects on pregnancy and birth, has not been found in humans.
Research on rats shows that giving paracetamol 15-60 mg/kbBB can increase inflammation in the airways which can increase the risk of asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease. However, controlled studies in pregnant women have not been conducted.
Paracetamol dosage for pregnant women
Preparations containing pure paracetamol are recommended to be taken 3-4 times 500 mg in 1 day. However, in some drugs, apart from the paracetamol content, it is also combined with caffeine to increase its effectiveness as a pain reliever. Keep in mind that the maximum dose of caffeine for a pregnant woman is 200 mg per day. If the dose of caffeine is more than 200 mg/day it will increase the risk of miscarriage and impaired fetal growth
In some preparations for fever medicine, cough and cold medicines are also mixed. Before using a drug whose composition consists of several ingredients, its use must first be consulted with an obstetrician
Recommendation
-should be more careful to use drugs during pregnancy, especially during the 1st trimester (first 3 months of pregnancy). Conditions such as coughs, colds, and mild pain are not always treated with drugs. If forced to take medication, start with a low dose and in a short time
- pregnant women should consider other alternatives to deal with pain such as by getting enough rest or consuming natural ingredients such as ginger, turmeric and cinnamon
Article written by dr. Johanes Taolin Sp.OG (Obstetrics Specialist at EMC Sentul Hospital).