Safe pain relief in 1st trimester

[Hope90x]

Hi all, sorry if this is a repeat. I couldnt find anything from an (admittedly) quick search.

I'm desperate. I'm 8+5wks pregnant and I've had to have a large molar extracted. The dentist said it was a tricky extraction and I will need pain relief for several days after.

I asked my Pharmacist if paracetamol is safe to take and she said NOT in the first 12 weeks. I really thought I had read this was the only pain relief that was safe?

Any thoughts from you guys? This is my first baby and I'm really scared of putting him/her at risk

Paracetamol is the first choice for pain relief in pregnancy; but they recommend it's used sparingly in the first 12 weeks (or throughout, really). If you need it, you need it.

The BUMPS website will confirm.

Did they give you any other pain relief suggestions? A hot water bottle on your face; or salt water gurgles, or anything? Be careful with any numbing things with an extraction.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I'd like to say the medication angle gets better, but it doesn't really, you just get used to not taking it .

I've always been told paracetamol is safe. I get migraines and usually rely on ibuprofen which is not safe in pregnancy, but paracetamol is, and i've taken it for both of mine. Hope you are ok. Can you text your midwife to confirm?

@TakeYourFinalPosition

Paracetamol is the first choice for pain relief in pregnancy; but they recommend it's used sparingly in the first 12 weeks (or throughout, really). If you need it, you need it.

The BUMPS website will confirm.

Did they give you any other pain relief suggestions? A hot water bottle on your face; or salt water gurgles, or anything? Be careful with any numbing things with an extraction.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I'd like to say the medication angle gets better, but it doesn't really, you just get used to not taking it .

Thank you! I will look into it. I was just worried about falling down a rabbit hole regarding the "possible" harm it could cause if taken in first 12 weeks No they just told me to rinse with warm salt water after 24hrs. I was advised not to use anything numbing etc but know the hot water bottle to my cheek helped the toothache so will give that a go. It's crazy to think we can't have pain relief, it never crossed my mind 🙈 how would we ever cope without it!

@madeleine85

I've always been told paracetamol is safe. I get migraines and usually rely on ibuprofen which is not safe in pregnancy, but paracetamol is, and i've taken it for both of mine. Hope you are ok. Can you text your midwife to confirm?

Yes I had always thought this too and a Google search seemed to say it was safe too. This has really thrown me because the pain really is quite unbearable and I rarely take pain relief in general unless it's really needed.

Where I'm based we aren't allocated a midwife until 12wk scan. I will have to try and hold out through the night and call the GP in the morning. I'll survive lol but it'll likely be a sleepless night.

I was prescribed co codamol by my gp in pregnancy just not in the last month Personally I'd ask there than at a pharmacist.

Heat is the last thing you want on your face. It brings all the blood to the surface to cool down which can cause more pain. Ice packs are better.

Speak to your gp seriously.

I know it will probably do very little, but maybe try some arnica tablets if they are ok. I know it is just herbal medicine, but they are meant to help with swelling (I think?). Paracetamol is a pain reliever, but if my memory is right it doesn't do much for swelling which is how it differs to ibuprofen. I could be wrong about all of this, but might be worth a google. Good luck, I know you must feel rotten x

Paracetamol is perfectly safe.

I was told paracetamol was safe. When I was pregnant and in agony with nerve pain in my neck I was prescribed morphine . If the pharmacy won't give you the paracetamol then you might need to talk to your gp

I had a tooth removed when I was just 12 weeks pregnant, and I was in agony. I was told to take paracetamol only. I took the maximum dose per day, for around 2 weeks. I know that isn't first trimester, but I was told it was safe. Everything was fine. I didn't like taking it (I don't think we like taking anything medication wise when pregnant) but it was my only option.
If you're worried ask a Doctor if paracetamol would be good.

Thank you all for your comments. It's reassuring to know some of you have used paracetamol without issue.
I do intend to call my GP in the morning but it wasn't an option today as I didn't leave the dentist til 4.50pm.
I'm getting great relief from a hot water bottle however it's quite awkward to hold it in place lol.

Thank you again, it's great to hear others experiences when I'm feeling anxious/miserable 😖