Paracetamol - how much can I have?

[angfirsttimer]

I have had an awful headache for the past three days, I am 26.5 weeks and dont have any other symtoms other than a bit of a sniffle, so its either the crippling tiredness or sinus related. Anyway I can't get hold of midwife or GP to ask them how much to take so thought mumsnet might come to the rescue! If I can't taken painkillers soon I am going to go insane!

Yes you can take a couple of paracetamol. Not sure what is daily limit when pregnant but I had to take them occasionally when I was pregnant as I have an arthritic condition. Make sure you are drinking plenty and not dehydrated as well.

Hi there - sorry to hear you're suffering. I think the standard advice is to take 1 paracetamol but if that doesn't help, go up to the normal 2 when you're allowed the next one (after 4 hours?). However keep trying the GP - if it is sinusitis as you should be able to get antibiotics.

Hope you feel better soon.

You can take as many as it says on the packet (usually 8 a day) but only if you need to obviously. I broke my ankle at 10weeks pregnant & had to have operation. The only thing I was allowed was paracetemol and took the maximum allowed for a week or two until I felt I could cut it down. So I definatley wouldnt worry about taking a couple when you need to. Just make sure its plain paracetemol - not painkiller with Ibuprofen/anti-inflammatory in them as you should not take those.

I'm just recovering from sinusitis (and I'm 27w pg). Paracetemol wasn't touching the pain I had in my face and up to my head. Steaming my face over a bowl of hot water with a towel trapping in the steam gave some relief and I got antibiotics from my GP which worked.
One paracetemol is unlikely to make any difference at all! I'd take 2 and see how you get on. Also I tried those 'breathe right' strips at night as they keep your passages a bit more open and propped up on 3 pillows so the gunk from your sniffly nose doesn't go up to your sinuses.
I think the limit is 8 a day for paracetemol whether you are pregnant or not. My GP didn't even mention the limit when I saw him last week. He just said keep taking them if you need them.

Not wanting to intentionally contradict anyone - but having become somewhat of an expert on pain relieving drugs in pregnancy due to my arthritis flaring (been on crutches/wheelchair now for 17 weeks)... paracetamol is absolutely safe in pregnancy at the full dose. So 8 a day. And paracetamol is a good one for building up levels of pain relief. However, with headaches I also really recommend drinking LOADS, that seems to help. If it's any consolation I know everyone hates to take medicines in pregnancy but I am on a hospital managed regime of paracetamol, co-codamol and steroids - along with anti-nausea drugs... and EVERY consultant and medical professional I have asked has always reassured me that what I am taking is fine.

Thanks ladies, I feel a bit of a wimp moaning about a headache but its impossible to concentrate at work with a stinking headache as well as my general lack of enthusiasm for anything that isn't baby related! Think will go for a couple of paracetamol and see how I go.

Agree, maximum 4g paracetamol (8 x 500mg tablets)spread over 24 hours, resting, massaging your head and face, try relaxing your jaw,and plenty of steam. Sinusitis is horrible during pregnancy because you can't take the sinutab drugs!