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Antipyretics in pregnancy

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Temperature at the beginning of pregnancy (in the first three months) is a common condition of a woman, which is a completely natural reaction of the body to the increased production of the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to maintain the fetus in the uterus. Usually, the acceleration of metabolism and changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy slightly increase the temperature of a pregnant woman, but this is considered normal only in the first trimester of pregnancy.

When carrying a child, a woman always gets the period of spring-autumn colds. A decrease in the body's defense reactions makes a pregnant woman more susceptible to viruses and infections. If the body temperature rises against the background of a stuffy nose, sneezing or coughing, sore throat, weakness, then this may indicate a cold, which can be dangerous, especially in the first months of pregnancy.

It is generally accepted that a 1.5 degree increase in temperature in a pregnant woman does not lead to fetal development pathologies, but it is necessary to consult a specialist about the cause of the temperature increase. If the temperature is above 38 degrees, you must immediately call an ambulance. You can reduce the temperature before the doctor arrives using folk methods (rubbing with a water-vinegar solution, a cool shower, drinking plenty of fluids), it is not recommended to take any medications before consulting a specialist.

Usually, when a temperature rises, an antipyretic containing paracetamol is prescribed during pregnancy. During pregnancy, taking aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. is contraindicated.

If the fever is accompanied by a sore throat, it may be due to angina, in which a white coating or pustules appear on the throat. A sore throat in a mother is extremely dangerous for the unborn child, since in addition to the temperature, the development of the fetus can be affected by intoxication developing in the mother's body. In this case, traditional medicine methods can be dangerous, since it is necessary to reduce the temperature as quickly as possible and remove toxins from the pregnant woman's body, which can enter the woman's bloodstream and affect the development, as well as the future health of the child.

Temperature during pregnancy is dangerous because the longer a woman is in this condition, the greater the chance of a disruption in the development of the embryo, especially during the period of development of internal systems and organs. Temperature during this period can lead to problems with the baby's cardiovascular or nervous system in the future. Also, a prolonged increase in temperature leads to a change in protein synthesis, which provokes a disruption in placental development and can threaten miscarriage or premature birth.

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Antipyretics during pregnancy

During pregnancy, especially in the first months, it is not recommended to take any medications. But in some situations, it is simply impossible to do without medication.

In case of colds that occur with an increase in temperature, a pregnant woman needs timely and effective treatment to prevent developmental pathologies in the child, the threat of miscarriage or premature birth. It is recommended to lower the temperature to 38.5 degrees with the help of folk remedies, for example, tea with linden, raspberry or honey. But when such treatment does not lead to visible effects, the temperature continues to rise, this already threatens serious consequences for the future baby, and the woman needs to take medications for high temperature and heat.

Ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. are not used during pregnancy, as they are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and can lead to a number of complications. The most suitable antipyretic during pregnancy is paracetamol, however, it is not a completely safe drug, although no fetal developmental disorders have been recorded after taking it.

In some cases, women are prescribed paracetamol to relieve pain from toothaches or headaches. Long-term use of the drug is not recommended, and a few tablets will not cause harm.

Paracetamol is a fairly effective remedy for reducing fever and pain in various diseases, and the drug also has mild anti-inflammatory properties. After administration, paracetamol penetrates the blood and is distributed throughout the body's tissues.

The drug is available in various forms: water-soluble tablets, powders for solution, syrups, suspensions, suppositories. Usually, a pregnant woman is prescribed a 200 mg soluble tablet, the effect of which occurs faster.

Paracetamol, as mentioned, is not a completely harmless drug. Overdose causes nausea or vomiting, painful spasms in the stomach. In this case, gastric lavage and activated carbon intake are recommended (in this case, be sure to consult a doctor).

Paracetamol is contraindicated if there is sensitivity to the components of the drug, congenital enzyme disorders, liver or kidney dysfunction, blood diseases. Usually the drug is well tolerated in recommended doses, but in rare cases, side effects may occur (decreased immunity, blood clotting disorders, formation of methemoglobin - quite dangerous for pregnant women, since oxygen delivery to tissues is reduced).

Long-term use of the drug, especially in high doses, can lead to liver and kidney intoxication. There may also be various allergic rashes, Quincke's edema.

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What antipyretic can be taken during pregnancy?

Antipyretic during pregnancy, first of all, is recommended not medicinal, but with the help of some proven folk remedies. The most common remedy for reducing temperature is raspberry. It is recommended to use it in any form: dried, fresh, in the form of jam or mashed with sugar. You can take a decoction or tea with jam 2-3 times a day. Also, teas with honey, lemon or linden decoction have a good antipyretic effect.

Rubbing and compresses also help to lower the temperature. To prepare a rubbing solution, mix vinegar with warm water in a 1:1 ratio, soak gauze, bandage, handkerchief in the solution and wipe the body, especially wet the forehead, armpits, limbs (palms and feet). You can also use alcohol rubbing. If the temperature does not decrease after folk remedies, use medications. You should take medications only after prior consultation with a doctor. You should also carefully study the instructions for the drug and determine possible contraindications, side effects, etc. You should strictly adhere to the dosage and in no case exceed the recommended dose and frequency of administration, otherwise intoxication may occur, which is extremely dangerous during pregnancy.

Taking biologically active supplements (BAS) during pregnancy is also contraindicated, since there is no precise data on the safety of their use during pregnancy and very little research has been conducted in this area.

Antipyretics during pregnancy should be used very carefully, observing the doses and frequency of administration recommended by the doctor. First of all, it is good to use folk remedies that will help reduce the temperature. Usually, for mild colds, such remedies show good efficiency. If the disease is severe, then in this case, you cannot do without drug treatment, since high temperature, especially if it lasts for a long time, can lead to fetal development pathologies.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Antipyretics 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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