Paracetemol

[smogsville]

Got a headache. Had it on and off since yesterday arvo. Not killing me but am I allowed a para? Just the one? NHS website seems to say it 'should be safe'. I'm 13 weeks. Hmm. Appreciate any thoughts.

Yes it's fine, take two else you're taking an ineffective dose.

Yes, it's fine.

Have the dose you would normally take; if one isn't going to be enough, you're better off taking two now and kicking the headache rather than take an ineffective dose now and then have to take a stronger dose again in 4 hours!

Thanks ladies. This is when I toddle off to the bathroom and find we've only got super strength varieties with codeine etc.

GP laughed at me when I told him I had been avoiding paracetamol for my back pain (In a nice way!) said it was perfectly fine to take a normal dose as it was pretty much the only thing I could take.

He did mention if it got worse codeine was also safe in pregnancy, although not regularly and out of the first trimester. My pain hasn't got too severe to go down the codeine route just yet though.

Hope the head improves!

Yeah paracetamol is absolutely fine! Its basically the only thing you take take when you've got a cold I think (Lemsip no good because of the decongestant stuff I think).

Yeah, my midwife told me to go for it as normal (as in, up to 8 a day if needed).

yes its fine , my gp prescribed cocodamol for my migraines and I am fine .

It's fine. I broke my leg and took a LOT. I was encouraged to keep on top of the pain with a regular dose Tried codeine too but I don't like the spacey feeling.

I was told no ibuprofen, though - is that right?

Think ibruprofen depends on how far along you are. Probably best to 'call the midwife' (sorry couldn't resist).

Avoid ibuprofen in pregnancy

I have pgp and refuse to take paracetamol. There is a link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and ADHD in resulting child. I've read this and my osteopath also agreed that she did the same when pregnant because of the ADHD link. I've taught enough children with ADHD to know I don't want to risk this at all. It's a pain to be in pain and not take anything but I would rather that now than years of stress later.

www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/26/adhd-linked-paracetamol-during-pregnancy-study

NHS recommends that preggies should avoid ibuprofen, during first and third trimester. While the risks of taking ibuprofen while you are pregnant depend on what trimester you are in, my general approach is to avoid it all together if possible. My GP once mentioned, the safest over-the-counter pain medication that you can use in pregnancy is paracetamol, with highest level of confidence. If you’re using it to treat a headache, make sure not to take more than the maximum recommended dosage of 4000 mg in one day.

Here is a patient information leaflet that summarises all of the available scientific evidence about paracetamol use in pregnancy. Hope this helps
www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Paracetamol/