Paracetamol regularly in pregnancy

[NewBrainNeeded]

Hey, first time poster but long time lurker here!

I'm currently 19 weeks pregnant with my first child and suffer from a congenital neurological condition that causes neck pain, headaches, and migraines (thankfully it's not inherited so baby won't have it).

When not pregnant I would take Sumatriptan when a migraine struck and co-codamol when the headaches or neck pain got very bad (paracetamol if it wasn't too bad) I spoke to my midwife about painkillers when I found out I was pregnant and she told me that Sumatriptan wasn't recommended in pregnancy, but co-codamol was fine in moderation and paracetamol was absolutely fine (although obviously not taken at the same time as co-codamol!).

Thankfully, my migraines haven't been too bad so I haven't had to take any co-codamol for several weeks, but I'm still getting headaches pretty regularly so am needing to take paracetamol every day. I never take the maximum dose (8x500mg tablets a day). Most days I will only take 3 or 4.

I initially thought this was fine, but read something that said taking paracetamol regularly in pregnancy can cause ADHD/developmental delays in children. I'm also worried about any potential effects on baby's physical development (their liver, heart, ect), even though my midwife assured me paracetamol was fine in pregnancy.

Did anyone else have to take paracetamol regularly in pregnancy? I feel so guilty

Bumpity bump!

I take it frequently - and did with my last pregnancy too - for migraines and headaches. It's absolutely fine, do what you need to do x

Hi, I'm a healthcare scientist. The data on paracetamol in pregnancy do not show overall any increase in birth defects. The studies on ADHD etc are considered to generally be quite badly done and the results unreliable. They just make the news regularly as on the face of it, the findings seem a bit sensational. Please try not to worry about what is a very common exposure in pregnancy.

I agree. The research suggests it is safe in pregnancy.

Just for reassurance, I had migraines for a 10 week stretch in each of my 3 pregnancies and took paracetamol (and caffeine). Plural of anecdote is not data but none of my three dc, now 10, 8, 4 have adhd or any issues.

Thank you everyone! I'm feeling very reassured.

Hi! I suffer with chronic migraine with aura and am prescribed sumatriptan and beta blockers. I have it in writing from my neurologist that sumatriptan is considered safe to take in pregnancy if it is required. I hope this helps you feel more comfortable taking your relief medication if you need it. Migraine is a total killer so I can sympathise x