Be cautious with paracetamol use in the third trimester

Pregnant. You feel nauseous. You have a headache. You are tired, have a cold, or a fever. Perhaps you have also taken paracetamol during your pregnancy. Midwives do not advise against the use of paracetamol during pregnancy, as it is a relatively safe medication. However, insights from new research have shown that paracetamol can indeed have harmful effects.

Research
Recent British research has revealed that the use of paracetamol during pregnancy can have harmful effects on the baby later in life. There is a slightly increased risk of behavioral problems, such as hyperactivity and ADHD. Previous separate studies from Spain, Denmark, and Norway also indicated that paracetamol use during pregnancy can increase the risk of ADHD and autism in children.

Conclusions
The most recent research has shown that children at the age of 7 were 1.3 times more likely to exhibit hyperactivity than children of mothers who did not take paracetamol during pregnancy. Unfortunately, there are no known figures on the amount of paracetamol used. Furthermore, the research indicates that particularly in the last trimester of pregnancy, the use of paracetamol carries a greater risk, as the baby's central nervous system is then in full development.

What is the best choice?
Paracetamol is still the safest painkiller. The use of aspirin, ibuprofen, and other stronger painkillers (anti-inflammatories) have more adverse effects on the unborn child, such as a higher risk of miscarriage, heart defects, and a congenital stomach defect. You can only use these medications on the strict indication of a doctor.

Always consult your doctor first if you wish to use medication during pregnancy. He can help you weigh the risks of certain medications against the symptoms you are experiencing.

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