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Analgesic drugs in pregnancy

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Unfortunately, pain is not uncommon, especially during pregnancy. And so the question arises: what to do, what painkillers and when can be used during pregnancy, and which cannot. Especially since there are so many painkillers in the modern pharmacological market. In this complex but very important topic, we were helped to understand by an obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound diagnostics doctor of the highest category, Yavorsky Yuri Tsezarevich, a doctor with 32 years of experience.

Obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound diagnostics doctor of the highest category, Yavorsky Yuriy Tsezarevich, doctor with 32 years of experience

Yuri Tsezarevich, many expectant mothers during pregnancy face such a question as taking painkillers during pregnancy. Tell me first, is it possible to take painkillers during pregnancy?

Yes, if the cause of the pain is established. And it is not necessary to drink. There are many other drugs in different forms: in the form of suppositories, creams, ointments, gels, etc.

In the early stages of pregnancy, when all the vital organs of the future baby are being laid (up to 12 weeks), the use of any painkillers is generally undesirable. If you can’t do without them, the medicine must be prescribed by a specialist and only after a diagnosis has been established.

The thing is that painkillers are symptomatic drugs that do not eliminate the cause of pain, but can only "mask" it, reduce its intensity. You should always look for the root cause of pain - only in this way can it be completely eliminated.

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How are painkillers used during labor?

To relieve fear and pain during childbirth, it is necessary, first of all, to properly prepare psychologically for this physiological act and get maximum pleasure from the birth of the baby. And only a small part of women with an extremely unstable nervous system need additional pain relief for the natural act of childbirth. This is possible, for example, in the presence of diseases with pain syndrome or increased blood pressure during pregnancy and childbirth. Pain relief during childbirth is provided by obstetricians-gynecologists and anesthesiologists, who will select the most suitable method and drug for pain relief.

So, dear ladies, I wish you to carry your pregnancy without painkillers. Have a joyful life without pain!

How can you relieve toothache during pregnancy?

It is generally not advisable to let toothaches happen; it is better to treat your teeth before pregnancy. Caries is a source of chronic infection in the body that must be treated before pregnancy. Caries is also often evidence that staphylococcus is present in the body. Therefore, I advise all expectant mothers to take care of their dental health in advance when planning a pregnancy. And if you still find yourself in a situation of toothache during pregnancy, you urgently need to see a dentist. Taking painkillers for toothache is not a treatment for the cause of this pain.

What should a mother-to-be do when she has a headache? What painkillers are there for headaches during pregnancy?

There is always a reason why your head starts to hurt, including during pregnancy. If your head hurts due to low blood pressure, you need to take medications that increase blood pressure. If it is due to high blood pressure, then you take medications to normalize blood pressure. If your head starts to hurt due to circulatory problems, then you need to take painkillers to normalize blood circulation.

What other causes of pain during pregnancy can require taking painkillers?

There can be many reasons for pain in a person, and even more for a pregnant woman.

A complicated pregnancy itself can cause pain, and thoughtless use of painkillers can lead to irreversible consequences. If you take painkillers during an ectopic pregnancy, the pain can be relieved, but bleeding can continue, which is fraught with complications and sometimes an irreversible outcome. Therefore, self-medication is not recommended for anyone, especially for a pregnant woman.

What painkillers are allowed during pregnancy?

All painkillers are divided into two large groups: narcotic and non-narcotic. Narcotic drugs are sold and used only by prescription and for serious indications - operations, injuries, burns, etc. Non-narcotic drugs are more freely sold. Basically, these are non-steroidal drugs. The most famous are Aspirin and its derivatives.

Every drug, in addition to its main effect, also has side effects and complications. Therefore, if you want to use any drug, be sure to read these sections. If pregnancy is a contraindication, you should never take it.

What pain relievers are safe during pregnancy?

Safe painkillers during pregnancy include drugs based on Paracetamol. It is included in most combination drugs.

Tell me, in what cases are painkillers tablets used during pregnancy, in what cases are painkillers suppositories used during pregnancy, when are painkiller injections used during pregnancy, and in what situations are painkillers ointments, creams, gels, and patches used?

The most common way to use such drugs is internally. Injections help speed up the effect of the drug on the body or eliminate the negative impact on the stomach and intestines. Therefore, some painkillers are administered into the rectum in the form of suppositories. For the fastest effect, drugs are administered intramuscularly or intravenously. For the treatment of local processes, painkillers during pregnancy are used in the form of ointments, creams, gels, patches.

There are now many new drugs that are not contraindicated during pregnancy. But only a doctor can find out the cause of pain and choose the right painkiller that will be compatible with pregnancy without consequences.

What painkillers can be used for medical termination of pregnancy?

Companies that produce drugs for abortion do not recommend using painkillers during medical abortion, as painkillers can weaken or neutralize the effect of abortive drugs. Sometimes women who have not listened to the recommendations of their doctors and have taken painkillers for medical abortion contact us. Usually, their abortion process is delayed, bleeding increases, and in some cases, the fertilized egg is not expelled at all.

What are the nuances of using painkillers during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid using painkillers, but if absolutely necessary, you can use Paracetamol-based drugs or homeopathic drugs. But only in cases where there is no separate indication of contraindications for use during pregnancy.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Analgesic drugs in pregnancy" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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