TAP top app download banner
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
Product Guide
Sign in
  • Together Against RSV
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • Events
  • Holiday Hub
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

Can I Take Paracetamol In Pregnancy? Research Says 'Better Not'

2 Jan, 2019
Can I Take Paracetamol In Pregnancy? Research Says 'Better Not'

Taking paracetamol in pregnancy has been linked to lower child IQ and increased risk of AHD and autism

When pregnant, the types of medications you can take — including common over-the-counter ones — are limited. This is because minute quantities of these can cross your placenta, affecting your baby. Now, new research suggests that even popular painkillers like paracetamol, thought to be okay for pregnant women to take, can be bad for baby.

Researchers from several US universities, including Harvard, found that pregnant women who take paracetamol risk lowering their baby’s IQ, increase the risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism. It could also alter the balance of hormones in the uterus. These results were compiled from nine different studies which included 150,000 mothers and babies.

Paracetamol linked to delayed speech

Can I take paracetamol in pregnancy

If you’re wondering, “Can I take paracetamol in pregnancy?” it’s best you consult your doctor first | Source: Adobe Stock

One study found that pregnant mothers who took paracetamol for pain relief without having a fever, gave birth to children who have a three-point drop in IQ. In another study, the children had speech-learning difficulties.

This isn’t the first time paracetamol has been linked to speech problems. In January 2018, researchers in New York found that paracetamol taken when mum is pregnant can delay her baby’s speech by up to six times. Plus, mums-to-be who took paracetamol six times or more in early pregnancy will more likely have daughters who struggle with speech.

Paracetamol linked to other problems in baby

Another research led by Dr Ilan Matok from Hebrew University of Jerusalem finds that mums-to-be who take paracetamol raises the risk of ADHD in their babies in the womb by 30%, and autism by 20%. This research reviewed 132,738 mothers and their children between 3-11 years old.

Previous research has found paracetamol use during pregnancy is associated with behaviour issues in children, and asthma.

So, can I take paracetamol in pregnancy?

Paracetamol is usually the preferred choice of pain relief for pregnant mums. But even with something so mild, the medical recommendation is that if you must take it, then, take the lowest effective dose as infrequent as possible.                                        

The National Health Service UK also says women, if possible, should not take any drugs in the first three months of pregnancy.

Still, doctors recommend paracetamol for pregnant women to treat mild pains and high temperatures. Consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy, including paracetamol. 

Relieve stress and soothe headaches the natural way

Can I take paracetamol in pregnancy

If you’re thinking, ‘Can I take paracetamol in pregnancy’, try these alternative ways to soothe your mild headaches | Source: Adobe Stock

Before you rush to the painkillers for a mild headache, maybe try these alternative methods before you take any medication:

  1. Eat well. Maintain a healthy diet and eat your meals at regular scheduled times – it’s good for baby too. 
  2. Stay hydrated. Sometimes, the cause of headaches is simply the fact that you are not drinking enough water. Remember to keep yourself well hydrated and you should see a difference in the frequency of headaches. 
  3. Sleep well. Don’t stay up too late. Sleep on time regularly, as lack of sleep might be a big contributor to your headaches.
  4. Exercise. It doesn’t have to be strenuous physical activity. Just a morning walk or some quick aerobic exercise should be helpful to prevent headaches.
  5. Stay away from headache triggers. Take notes on what foods or smells trigger a headache. Write them down to remember avoiding them at all costs.
  6. Relax. Enrol in yoga classes, get a massage or try deep breathing exercises. These are good ways to relieve stress as well.

It’s best you consult your doctor before ingesting any medications, including herbal treatments or traditional remedies.

Source: Mayo Clinic, NHS, Hormones and Behaviour (via Semantic Scholar)

Partner Stories
Comfort, Care, and Confidence for New Mums  with PEM Confinement Nannies
Comfort, Care, and Confidence for New Mums with PEM Confinement Nannies
Relax & Recover with PNSG Postnatal Massage
Relax & Recover with PNSG Postnatal Massage
Celebrity Dad Mark Lee Shares the 3 P's of Raising School Going Children - Parenting Tips, PSLE Preparation & Protecting Your Child’s Eyesight!
Celebrity Dad Mark Lee Shares the 3 P's of Raising School Going Children - Parenting Tips, PSLE Preparation & Protecting Your Child’s Eyesight!
NTUC First Campus (NFC) Expands Child Support Model to Include Support for Mental Well-being
NTUC First Campus (NFC) Expands Child Support Model to Include Support for Mental Well-being

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Nicholas Yong

  • Home
  • /
  • News
  • /
  • Can I Take Paracetamol In Pregnancy? Research Says 'Better Not'
Share:
  • Chagee opens sign-language store at NUS supporting deaf community

    Chagee opens sign-language store at NUS supporting deaf community

  • MOH launches helpline and textline for 24/7 mental health support

    MOH launches helpline and textline for 24/7 mental health support

  • Bankruptcy Over Hospital Bills: What the NUH Case Teaches Us About Medical Financial Help

    Bankruptcy Over Hospital Bills: What the NUH Case Teaches Us About Medical Financial Help

  • Chagee opens sign-language store at NUS supporting deaf community

    Chagee opens sign-language store at NUS supporting deaf community

  • MOH launches helpline and textline for 24/7 mental health support

    MOH launches helpline and textline for 24/7 mental health support

  • Bankruptcy Over Hospital Bills: What the NUH Case Teaches Us About Medical Financial Help

    Bankruptcy Over Hospital Bills: What the NUH Case Teaches Us About Medical Financial Help

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
  • Family Occasions
  • Lifestyle
  • Normal Delivery
  • Ages & Stages
  • Trying To Conceive
  • News
  • TAP Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
© Copyright theAsianparent 2025. All rights reserved
About Us|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it