Painkillers in Pregnancy
introduction
During pregnancy, many women ask themselves which medication is safe to take. Most pregnant women are primarily concerned with the unborn child, but of course also with their own well-being.
In particular, the question of suitable painkillers during pregnancy is a priority for many women. Over-the-counter painkillers in particular are important "everyday helpers" for many otherwise healthy people and are taken when necessary.
But what about such over-the-counter pain relievers during pregnancy? Can these harm the child or the mother? The use of over-the-counter drugs is rarely discussed with a doctor, so knowing the appropriate drugs is very important.
Women who suffer from pain receiving therapy with prescription pain relievers requires, are also faced with a dichotomy between taking medication and the well-being of the unborn child. In this case it is important to inform the attending physician about the existing pregnancy or even if you suspect a pregnancy. This can Medication then accordingly to adjustso that the well-being of the child and mother is not endangered.
The following article provides useful information on the subject of "Painkillers in Pregnancy". Important drugs and clinical pictures relating to the topic of "Painkiller“Are explained in more detail with regard to an existing pregnancy. Nevertheless, in order to ensure optimal and individual care for yourself and your child, you should always Consultation with your treating doctor hold.
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Choice of different drugs
Paracetamol in pregnancy
Paracetamol is one of the pain relievers that are most commonly taken in Germany. It is available over the counter in pharmacies and is often used in everyday life to relieve pain or lower fever. In principle, paracetamol is well tolerated and has few side effects, which is why it is very popular among the population.
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The scope of experience is high for use in pregnancy. Paracetamol is one of the pain relievers that are recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, taking into account the existing contraindications. Especially women with severe liver dysfunction should avoid paracetamol.
There have always been case reports suggesting that paracetamol has a harmful potential in pregnancy in the 1st trimester, but these suspicions could not be confirmed.
Also, recent studies have failed to confirm claims that acetaminophen causes undescended testicles in boys; the results of the studies have been contradicting and inconclusive.
Paracetamol is also very well tolerated and recommended in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
Individual case reports and studies have made claims that taking paracetamol during this time would promote asthmatic symptoms in the child. These theses could not be substantiated either and the study results were highly contradictory.
Therefore, paracetamol in the usual dosage is still recommended during pregnancy. As an alternative, ibuprofen can be used in the 1st and 2nd trimesters (but not in the 3rd trimester!).
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Ibuprofen in pregnancy
Ibuprofen is one of the so-called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and becomes treatment mild to moderate pain as well as for Lowering of fever used. Also in the therapy of migraine Ibuprofen is often used.
The amount of experience with the use of ibuprofen during pregnancy is high, so that reliable statements can be made about the effects. Ibuprofen is used in pregnancy applicable. However, the intake should be below strict risk-benefit assessment respectively.
in the 1st trimester there is no suspicion that ibuprofen can cause harm to the unborn child. However, it should not be taken carelessly and, above all, not in high doses.
in the 2nd trimester should stop taking strictly considered become.
Ibuprofen is allowed not taken in the last trimester of pregnancy as there are several risks of harm to the unborn child.
Ibuprofen can be used in the last trimester of pregnancy premature closure of the ductus arteriosus botalli in the child. This important vascular connection in the circulation of the unborn child naturally closes up after birth. However, if it is closed early, there is a risk of complications in the unborn child. Furthermore, it can become a significant one Impaired kidney function come with the Result of a lack of amniotic fluid (Oligohydramnios).
Also the increased occurrence of one necrotizing enterocolitis has been associated with ibuprofen use in the last trimester of pregnancy. This is a Inflammation of the intestinal wall in the newbornwhich in up to 30% of the cases fatal can be.
Therefore ibuprofen should not be taken in the 3rd trimester. Paracetamol is an alternative.
More information can be found here: Ibuprofen in pregnancy
Novalgin® in pregnancy
Novalgin® is one of the trade names for the active ingredient Metamizole. It is mainly used for treatment severe pain and to Lowering high fever used. Especially with colicky stomach pain suitable Novalgin® very good for relieving discomfort.
However, Novalgin® cannot be used without restrictions during pregnancy. The scope of experience is not quite as high as with the active ingredients ibuprofen and paracetamol.
in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy may Novalgin® not applied become. Novalgin® can be used during this time premature closure of the ductus arteriosus botalli lead, which is an important vascular connection in the circulation of the unborn child. This vascular connection is closed naturally after childbirth. However, the early closure is pathological and leads to damage to the unborn child.
Furthermore, a Lack of amniotic fluid (Oligohydramnios) occur when Novalgin® is taken in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, it is strictly not to be taken.
in the first trimester of pregnancy Novalgin® may be used with a strict risk-benefit assessment.
Overall, it is not advisable to take Novalgin® during pregnancy. However, if there is pain that requires treatment, it can be taken in the first trimester of pregnancy with a strict indication. An increased rate of malformations during this time cannot be assumed. In the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy is of ingestion, however not advised. If Novalgin® has been taken repeatedly during this time, the Cycle of the unborn child close-knit - about 1 to 2 times a week - monitored with ultrasound examinations become. As a pain reliever, paracetamol is preferred whenever possible.
Treatment of headaches during pregnancy
Unfortunately, headaches are not uncommon during pregnancy. Many pregnant women complain of headaches, especially in the first three months of pregnancy.
The headache can have various causes. Among other things, a lack of sleep, the changed hormone balance or stress during pregnancy are discussed.
In principle, you should be careful about taking painkillers. Measures such as stress reduction, relaxation techniques, warm baths or moderate exercise can help relieve headaches without medication.
It is also advisable to carry out a cause analysis in the form of a pain diary. For example, causes such as stress can be identified. However, if the symptoms cannot be alleviated in this way, pain medication can be taken.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the alternatives with the highest level of experience. Ibuprofen should, however, not be taken after the 28th week of pregnancy because of an increased risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus Botalli.
The premature closure of this important vascular connection in the unborn child's circulation can lead to serious complications. Therefore, after the 28th week of pregnancy, paracetamol is preferred.
However, the following applies to both drugs: Do not take the pain relievers in low doses for more than a few days. It is not intended to be taken for weeks. Obtain individual advice from your attending physician on taking painkillers during pregnancy in order to avoid mistakes in taking them.
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Treatment of toothache in pregnancy
In order to prevent toothache during pregnancy, it is advisable to have the dental status checked by a dentist in advance. This is a very useful measure, especially in the case of a planned pregnancy, as dental complications during pregnancy can be avoided. Inflammation and other problems can be treated in advance. Regular prophylactic appointments and good oral hygiene are very important during pregnancy.
If you still have a toothache, it is advisable to consult a dentist immediately. Eliminating the cause is much more important than alleviating the symptoms. Paracetamol has proven itself as a pain reliever. However, discuss taking it with your doctor beforehand, even if it is over-the-counter.
Ibuprofen is an alternative to taking paracetamol. However, it should not be used after the 28th week of pregnancy. Taking Aspirin® is not recommended.
Inflammation of the gums is very common during pregnancy due to changes in hormone levels. One also speaks of pregnancy gingivitis. There are several mouthwashes available that can improve pregnancy gingivitis.
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Treating Back Pain During Pregnancy
Back pain during pregnancy can various causes that sometimes have nothing to do with the existing pregnancy.
In some cases, the back pain was already present before the pregnancy. But also a increased body weight due to pregnancy, a increasing hollow back or one lack of fitness can cause back pain.
Pelvic painwhich occur especially in late pregnancy, often mimic back pain. Painkiller are there unfortunately unhelpful.
Are much more effective Strengthening exercises for the back and light training.
Fitness courses specially designed for the back for pregnant women are particularly recommended. Also Yoga or swimming are found to be very beneficial by many pregnant women. Furthermore you can Massages, warm baths and Support pillow help against the pain.
If you do want to use pain medication, it is advisable to discuss this with your doctor. For the most part, these are pain relievers little to no help. If an intake is absolutely desired, above all Paracetamol to recommend. Ibuprofen is a possible alternative, however not after the 28th week of pregnancy suitable is.
Treatment of Migraines During Pregnancy
Migraine attacks can also occur during pregnancy, so treatment with painkillers is often necessary.
For mild migraines, it can help to retreat to a quiet, darkened room for the duration of the pain attack. For many sufferers, however, this measure is not enough, so that pain medication must be taken.
However, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Triptans, which are used outside of pregnancy to treat a migraine attack, are not permitted during pregnancy because there is no empirical data. Paracetamol can be used in the usual dosage to relieve the symptoms of a migraine attack.
Between the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, Aspirin® may also be used to a limited extent. In the last trimester of pregnancy, however, Aspirin® must not be used because of the increased risks for the mother and the unborn child.
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Pain medication in the last trimester of pregnancy
The last trimester of pregnancy includes the period from 7th to 9th month of pregnancy. At this time are some pain medication not suitable as they can lead to complications for both mother and child.
Ibuprofen and aspirin® should not be used in the last trimester of pregnancy. You can become one early closure of an important vascular connection in the unborn child's circulation lead to complications.
Ibuprofen can continue to become a Renal dysfunction in the unborn child who lead one Fear water shortage (Oligohydramnios) causes. Likewise is Novalgin® not recommended in the last trimester of pregnancy.
There is an alternative Paracetamol when taking painkillers is essential. However, even the use of paracetamol must first be clarified with a doctor. In general, it is not advisable to take drugs carelessly during pregnancy.
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