Features of the use of “paracetamol” during pregnancy in 3 trimester

As the third trimester of pregnancy approaches, many expectant mothers find themselves grappling with how to manage pain and discomfort. Paracetamol is one drug that is frequently brought up in conversations about treating these symptoms. It is frequently used because of how well it lowers fever and eases pain, but using it while pregnant—especially in the last trimester—should be done with caution.

When taken as prescribed, paracetamol is generally regarded as safe for use during pregnancy. However, as they get closer to the end of their pregnancy, it’s critical to comprehend how it affects both the mother and the growing child. The body changes significantly during the third trimester, so a simple treatment may now need more careful attention.

This article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of taking paracetamol during the third trimester, as well as possible risks and alternatives. Our intention is to give you useful and understandable information so that you can make decisions about pain management that will protect your baby’s safety as well as your own.

What is this drug?

Since paracetamol has anti-inflammatory properties and a non-steroidal structure, it belongs to a broad class of medications known as NSAIDs. The drug’s active ingredient, also known as paracetamol, has the ability to influence prostaglandin synthesis, which produces chemicals that promote inflammation, raise body temperature, and sustain pain. Taking "Paracetamol" will cause your body’s temperature to return to normal and your pain level to go down. However, the medication’s anti-inflammatory properties are only marginally apparent.

• In suspension. This option is usually bought for children, as it is easy to swallow and has a sweet taste, so the packaging usually has the word "children"s". For adults, it is less preferable due to the small dosage of the active substance in 1 spoon.
• In suppositories. Such "Paracetamol" is presented in different dosages, suitable for both small children and adult patients. It is quite convenient to use, especially if there is nausea or vomiting. In addition, this medicine has a minimal number of components – in addition to the active component, it includes only a fat base.
• In effervescent tablets. This type of "Paracetamol" is absorbed faster than the active substance from a regular tablet, so it is most popular for fever.
• In a solution for injections. This form of the drug has the fastest action, but is used mainly in hospitals, and the dose should be selected by a doctor.
• In tablets. This "Paracetamol" is most often used by adults. The tablets themselves are small, round and easy to swallow. In addition, they have a fairly long shelf life (up to 5 years), so this drug is usually bought for a home medicine cabinet.

Is it allowed in the third trimester?

In these situations, a relatively safe medication called "paracetamol" is prescribed between 28 and 40 weeks.

• If the expectant mother has a fever. Taking "Paracetamol" is justified if the thermometer shows more than +38 degrees. In such a situation, which often occurs with viral infections, the child is at risk of hypoxia and intrauterine infection.
• If the pregnant woman suffers from severe pain. "Paracetamol" can be taken to relieve toothache, migraine, back pain, muscle pain, painful sensations from burns, etc.

On the other hand, expectant mothers should be aware that paracetamol only treats fever and pain. And it’s not always a good thing. For instance, taking a tablet of Paracetamol to treat a headache in a pregnant woman may not identify elevated blood pressure, which could be harmful to the fetus as well as the mother.

As a result, it is advised to see a doctor before taking paracetamol.

How to take?

Although the dosage of the medication for a particular woman should be recommended by her doctor, 500 mg of paracetamol is typically prescribed for fever. Regarding pain, it is advised to begin with half of this dosage (200–250 mg) in order to minimize discomfort. There is no need to raise the dosage if it is adequate to relieve the pain. A pregnant woman may take up to 1000 mg of the active ingredient in one dose.

During pregnancy, "Paracetamol" should only be consumed or used in other ways as necessary. This indicates that the only times the tablet, suppository, or suspension is used are for pain relief or the occasional temperature rise. The medication can be taken three to four times a day at least four hours apart if the symptoms are still bothersome.

It is not permitted to take the medication for longer than three days or to exceed a daily dosage of 4000 mg.

Can it cause harm?

Side effects can occur from "Paracetamol" reactions in a woman’s body. The medication can occasionally result in allergic reactions, nausea, itchy skin, abdominal pain, and other side effects that should be reported right away to the doctor, despite the fact that these are rarely mentioned in reviews.

Even though using "paracetamol" is contraindicated, it is still harmful. For instance, the medication will result in uncomfortable intolerance symptoms if the expectant mother is hypersensitive to any of its ingredients. Certain genetic illnesses, such as those caused by a lack of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the body, cannot be treated with it. When taking paracetamol, patients with illnesses of the stomach, liver, kidneys, and numerous other pathologies need to use caution.

Overuse or noncompliance with dosage instructions can also be harmful to the unborn child and the expectant mother. The health of the gastrointestinal system, liver, and hematopoietic organs will all suffer if you disregard your doctor’s advice and take more medication than is prescribed.

It’s also critical to consider any other medications the expectant mother may be taking, as these could conflict with paracetamol and raise the possibility of adverse effects.

When taken in accordance with recommended dosages, using paracetamol during the third trimester of pregnancy is generally regarded as safe. Given that the risks associated with other pain medications are not present, it is a popular option for treating pain and fever. To prevent potential complications, it is imperative to adhere to the prescribed dosage guidelines.

It’s a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medication, even if it seems safe. They can guarantee that paracetamol is suitable for you at this point in your pregnancy and offer tailored advice based on your unique health requirements.

In summary, although paracetamol can be a useful tool for easing discomfort during the third trimester, it is important to use it responsibly and seek medical advice to ensure the health of both you and your unborn child are preserved.

Although paracetamol is frequently used to treat pain and lower fevers, it’s crucial to use caution when using it during the third trimester of pregnancy. Even though it’s generally accepted to be safe when taken as directed, prolonged or excessive use may have negative health effects on the unborn child. Before taking paracetamol, pregnant women should see their doctor to make sure it’s necessary and dosed correctly to prevent any risks to the mother or the unborn child, especially as the pregnancy gets closer to full term.

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