Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOTC Pain Relievers to Take While PregantOTC Pain Relievers to AvoidLow-Dose AspirinTopical Pain RelieversWhy Opioids Should Not Be Taken During PregnancyOther Ways to Relieve Pain
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
OTC Pain Relievers to Take While Pregant
OTC Pain Relievers to Avoid
Low-Dose Aspirin
Topical Pain Relievers
Why Opioids Should Not Be Taken During Pregnancy
Other Ways to Relieve Pain
When you arepregnantand experiencing pain, you may be wondering which medications are safe to take.
Some medications, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), are considered safe, while others, likenonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)can cause problems if taken during pregnancy. You may also have questions about topical forms of these medications, such as creams or patches.
Though you should always consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice, this article will discuss some general safety guidelines for taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers during pregnancy.
Getty Images / Oscar Wong
What OTC Pain Relievers Can I Take While Pregnant?
Just because a medication is available over the counter does not mean it is safe for everyone.
When you are pregnant, you want to be sure the medication is safe for you and the fetus. For mild pain or fever, Tylenol is considered the preferred OTC pain reliever to take during pregnancy.
Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
Tylenol, which contains the active ingredient acetaminophen, is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Most healthcare providers recommend pregnant people take this OTC medication for pain or fever over other options.
Generally, they will recommend takingTylenolat the lowest dose for the shortest period.
Tylenol refers to the single-ingredient product that only contains acetaminophen, not any combination products. It’s important to note that acetaminophen can be found in many combination products that contain additional ingredients that may not be safe during pregnancy.
Although Tylenol is generally considered safe, you should still check with a healthcare provider before taking it to ensure that it is safe for you.
You may have heard that some studies suggest taking Tylenol is unsafe during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has stated that studies have not established a connection between Tylenol and any problems with fetus development.
The ACOG recommends taking Tylenol during pregnancy only after checking with one’s healthcare provider and taking it in moderation.
What OTC Pain Relievers Should I Avoid While Pregnant?
NSAIDsare a class of drugs that are taken to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. NSAIDs are available in both prescription and OTC forms. Examples of OTC NSAIDs include:
In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a warning against taking NSAIDs at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later. This is because doing so may cause serious kidney problems in the fetus, which could lead to low levels ofamniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid surrounds and protects the fetus during pregnancy.
Other studies have shown that ibuprofen use in early pregnancy may causemiscarriageor heart problems, but these studies have not established the reason for ibuprofen use. This may be important because the illness itself could have caused a miscarriage or heart problems rather than the medication.
Because there is not enough data to know whether NSAIDs are safe during early pregnancy, you should always consult a healthcare provider. Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be a better option.
Like acetaminophen, NSAIDs can be found in combination drugs as well. Always check the label and ask your pharmacist for help selecting an appropriate OTC medication.
Low-Dose Aspirin in Pregnancy
Though regular-strength aspirin (325 milligrams (mg)) and extra-strength aspirin (500 mg) are included in the NSAID warnings above, some pregnant people take low-dose aspirin (usually 81 mg daily) to prevent blood clots orpreeclampsia(dangerously high blood pressure and pregnancy complications).
This is not in the same category as taking higher doses for pain or fever. Low-dose aspirin is not expected to cause miscarriage, birth defects, or other pregnancy-related problems.
If you take low-dose aspirin, check with your healthcare provider regarding recommendations for use during pregnancy.
Can I Use Topical Pain Relievers During Pregnancy?
Topical medications, such as creams or patches, are applied to an affected area to relieve pain.
Voltaren Arthritis Paincontains diclofenac sodium (an NSAID) and comes with the same NSAID warning about pregnancy. Do not use this product at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later.Before 20 weeks of pregnancy, consult a healthcare provider for medical advice.
Topical products that contain ingredients such asmenthol,lidocaine, orcapsaicinmay be safe. Animal studies have not shown harm to the fetus, but studies in humans are limited.As always, consult a healthcare provider before using any of these products.
Is CBD Safe to Use During Pregnancy?CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in marijuana, but it does not cause a “high.“It is sometimes used in oral and topical forms for pain relief.Marijuana, or cannabis, also containstetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes that “high” effect. Because using any type of CBD, THC, ormarijuanaduring pregnancy (or while breastfeeding) comes with many potential serious risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly advises against it.
Is CBD Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in marijuana, but it does not cause a “high.“It is sometimes used in oral and topical forms for pain relief.Marijuana, or cannabis, also containstetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes that “high” effect. Because using any type of CBD, THC, ormarijuanaduring pregnancy (or while breastfeeding) comes with many potential serious risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly advises against it.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in marijuana, but it does not cause a “high.“It is sometimes used in oral and topical forms for pain relief.
Marijuana, or cannabis, also containstetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes that “high” effect. Because using any type of CBD, THC, ormarijuanaduring pregnancy (or while breastfeeding) comes with many potential serious risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly advises against it.
Opioidsare a class of drugs that includes:
Opioidsare responsible for most overdose deaths, often from illegally manufactured fentanyl, which may be added to other drugs and taken unknowingly.
Using opioids during pregnancy is dangerous for both the pregnant person and the fetus. It can lead to problems such asstillbirth, growth problems, preterm delivery, maternal death, or neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (wherein the newborn goes through drug withdrawal after becoming dependent on opioids during the pregnancy).
For people who are pregnant and havechronic(ongoing) pain, the ACOG recommends avoiding or minimizing opioid use, leaning toward other types of therapy like non-opioid medication and/or non-medicinal treatments likephysical therapy.
For people who are pregnant and have acute severe pain (sudden and/or urgent pain) requiring an opioid pain medication, their healthcare provider will prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible and monitor the individual closely.
Sometimes, individuals will require a short course of low-dose opioid medications after acesarean (C-section)delivery.
Other Ways to Relieve Pain During Pregnancy
In addition to taking medication, your healthcare provider may approve some non-medicinal ways to relieve your pain. For example, if you have back pain, the ACOG recommends tips such as:
A Word From VerywellThere are undoubtedly many discomforts that come with pregnancy, and it can be overwhelming to figure out what medications or remedies are safe for both the pregnant person and fetus. For pain relief, Tylenol is typically what providers will recommend. That being said, trying non-drug therapies first is often suggested and preferred.—LINDSAY COOK, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
There are undoubtedly many discomforts that come with pregnancy, and it can be overwhelming to figure out what medications or remedies are safe for both the pregnant person and fetus. For pain relief, Tylenol is typically what providers will recommend. That being said, trying non-drug therapies first is often suggested and preferred.—LINDSAY COOK, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
There are undoubtedly many discomforts that come with pregnancy, and it can be overwhelming to figure out what medications or remedies are safe for both the pregnant person and fetus. For pain relief, Tylenol is typically what providers will recommend. That being said, trying non-drug therapies first is often suggested and preferred.
—LINDSAY COOK, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
If you experience pain during pregnancy, there are some things you can do to relieve your symptoms. Generally, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe to take during pregnancy. Avoid other pain relievers, such as NSAIDs, which can carry risks if taken while pregnant.
Check with your healthcare provider first to ensure it is safe for you, considering your medical history and conditions. Your healthcare provider can also recommend other measures you can take based on your symptoms to make you more comfortable.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.ACOG response to consensus statement on paracetamol use during pregnancy.MedlinePlus.Over-the-counter pain relievers.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA recommends avoiding use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later because they can result in low amniotic fluid.Koren G, Florescu A, Costei AM, et al.Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs during third trimester and the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus: a meta-analysis.Ann Pharmacother. 2006;40(5):824-829. doi:10.1345/aph.1G428Servev J, Chang J.Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(8):548-555.The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists.Ibuprofen.Choi YJ, Shin S.Aspirin prophylaxis during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Prev Med. 2021;61(1):e31-e45. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2021.01.032The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists.Low dose aspirin.Leppert W, Malec-Milewska M, Zajaczkowska R, et al.Transdermal and topical drug administration in the treatment of pain.Molecules. 2018;23(3):681. 2018. doi:10.3390/molecules23030681MedlinePlus.Diclofenac topical (arthritis pain).The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists.Capsaicin.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lidocaine patch.Alsaad AMS, Fox C, Koren G.Toxicology and teratology of the active ingredients of professional therapy MuscleCare products during pregnancy and lactation: a systematic review.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015;15:40. doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0585-8Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CBD: what you need to know.Food and Drug Administration.What you should know about using cannabis, including CBD, when pregnant or breastfeeding.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Opioids.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fentanyl facts.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Opioid use and pregnancy.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Back pain during pregnancy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.ACOG response to consensus statement on paracetamol use during pregnancy.MedlinePlus.Over-the-counter pain relievers.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA recommends avoiding use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later because they can result in low amniotic fluid.Koren G, Florescu A, Costei AM, et al.Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs during third trimester and the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus: a meta-analysis.Ann Pharmacother. 2006;40(5):824-829. doi:10.1345/aph.1G428Servev J, Chang J.Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(8):548-555.The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists.Ibuprofen.Choi YJ, Shin S.Aspirin prophylaxis during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Prev Med. 2021;61(1):e31-e45. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2021.01.032The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists.Low dose aspirin.Leppert W, Malec-Milewska M, Zajaczkowska R, et al.Transdermal and topical drug administration in the treatment of pain.Molecules. 2018;23(3):681. 2018. doi:10.3390/molecules23030681MedlinePlus.Diclofenac topical (arthritis pain).The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists.Capsaicin.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lidocaine patch.Alsaad AMS, Fox C, Koren G.Toxicology and teratology of the active ingredients of professional therapy MuscleCare products during pregnancy and lactation: a systematic review.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015;15:40. doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0585-8Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CBD: what you need to know.Food and Drug Administration.What you should know about using cannabis, including CBD, when pregnant or breastfeeding.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Opioids.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fentanyl facts.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Opioid use and pregnancy.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Back pain during pregnancy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.ACOG response to consensus statement on paracetamol use during pregnancy.
MedlinePlus.Over-the-counter pain relievers.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA recommends avoiding use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later because they can result in low amniotic fluid.
Koren G, Florescu A, Costei AM, et al.Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs during third trimester and the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus: a meta-analysis.Ann Pharmacother. 2006;40(5):824-829. doi:10.1345/aph.1G428
Servev J, Chang J.Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(8):548-555.
The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists.Ibuprofen.
Choi YJ, Shin S.Aspirin prophylaxis during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Prev Med. 2021;61(1):e31-e45. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2021.01.032
The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists.Low dose aspirin.
Leppert W, Malec-Milewska M, Zajaczkowska R, et al.Transdermal and topical drug administration in the treatment of pain.Molecules. 2018;23(3):681. 2018. doi:10.3390/molecules23030681
MedlinePlus.Diclofenac topical (arthritis pain).
The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists.Capsaicin.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lidocaine patch.
Alsaad AMS, Fox C, Koren G.Toxicology and teratology of the active ingredients of professional therapy MuscleCare products during pregnancy and lactation: a systematic review.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015;15:40. doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0585-8
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CBD: what you need to know.
Food and Drug Administration.What you should know about using cannabis, including CBD, when pregnant or breastfeeding.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Opioids.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fentanyl facts.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Opioid use and pregnancy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Back pain during pregnancy.
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