Is Tylenol Safe During Pregnancy?

When you are pregnant, the medicines you take can affect your baby. Many doctors recommend acetaminophen, sometimes marketed under the brand name Tylenol, as a relatively safe medication for pain or fever, but a March 2013 Canadian study questions Tylenol's safety for pregnant or nursing mothers. The German Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine also has questions about this commonly used over-the-counter medication. These scientists believe Tylenol could affect unborn babies.

  1. Acetaminophen Linked to Disorders

    • A 2013 study from the Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University of Hamburg-Eppendorf, published by the "Journal of Reproductive Immunology," says acetaminophen has not been directly linked with stillbirths, infant deformities or similar birth defects. However, the study indicates it could be linked to asthma and behavior problems, such as hyperactivity. Acetaminophen readily crosses the placental barrier, which means that, when the mother takes it, it is shared with the fetus. This is a concern because, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, excess use of acetaminophen can cause liver damage.

    Increased Usage Increases Effect

    • In "The Mother and Child Cohort Study," conducted 1999 to 2008, the Norwegian National Public Health Institute collected information from pregnant volunteers. A team of scientists used data from the reports to examine long-term effects of acetaminophen on children. Their findings were published in August 2013 by the "International Journal of Epidemiology." They found that, if the mother took acetaminophen for more than 28 days during her pregnancy, risks of motor impairment or behavioral problems increased by 70 percent.

    Headaches During Pregnancy

    • The hormonal changes your body experiences during pregnancy might affect your likelihood of having a headache. The American Pregnancy Association recommends assessing probable causes for the headache before you reach for the medicine bottle. Common causes include lack of sleep, low blood sugar or caffeine withdrawal. If you get a headache, you can apply cold compresses to the aching part of your head. If stuffy sinuses are the cause, use warm compresses over the affected sinus area.

    Bottom Line

    • Minimize medication while you are pregnant, and consult with your obstetrician before you take it. Try external methods of pain relief, such as relaxing in a darkened room, laying a cool cloth across your eyes, getting something to eat or even just drinking a glass of water, before resorting to medication. The Northfield Hospital Women's Health Center website says expectant or nursing mothers should limit Tylenol to less than 4,000 milligrams in 24 hours.

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