Tylenol is a pain reliever that contains an active ingredient called Acetaminophen. This medicine is an over-the-counter drug that is generally considered safe when taken in the right dosage.
It offers immediate relief for minor aches and pain like headaches, which is a very common ailment. Because symptoms like this are not really that serious, immediate relief can usually be felt in just 1 to 2 doses.
But what if you’re pregnant? Is it still safe to take Tylenol? Pregnancy carries a lot of discomforts and aches, but there are very limited choices when it comes to taking medications.
The baby inside the mother’s womb is particularly vulnerable at this time, so it is only right that you’d be concerned about your child’s safety.
Can I Take Tylenol While Pregnant? Answer: Yes.
Fortunately, Tylenol is one of those drugs that’s considered safe for all the stages of pregnancy. However, you should ask your doctor about the recommended dosage for you, as pregnant moms have different levels of tolerance. Your doctor is also well aware of the state of your health and general condition, so that the dosage can be adjusted accordingly.
Typically, up to 4 times a day can be considered safe. But make sure that you only take the regular strength Tylenol which contains 325mg of Acetaminophen, and not the extra strength variety that has 500mg.
Headache During Pregnancy
Having a headache can be very common during pregnancy, as the hormone levels can fluctuate during this time. If you are already prone to headaches before getting pregnant, you can expect the condition to get even worse when you’re expecting a baby. This, plus other bodily pains can make your situation very stressful, so having safe pain relievers around can really offer great help and comfort.
Doctors Recommend Tylenol for Pregnant Moms
Tylenol is one of the common medications prescribed by doctors in relieving pain experienced by pregnant women. This particular drug has been studied well, and it is considered safe not only for pregnant mothers but for nursing moms too. Small amounts of Acetaminophen can be tolerated by the human body, and this holds true for adult bodies and underdeveloped bodies of babies too. So as long as you follow the right dosage that’s recommended for you, you are not putting your health or your baby’s safety at risk. As with all types of drugs, however, an over dose of medication can be very dangerous and even fatal to a yet unborn child.
When to Call a Doctor
Over-the-counter drugs can help in relieving a wide variety of pain associated with pregnancy. Headaches are very common, but this condition can usually be relieved by just taking the regular dosage of a drug. If the symptoms of headache become too persistent, or if the pain simply doesn’t go away in 1 to 2 days, then it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to a disease called Preclampsia.
This ailment causes high blood pressure, and it can manifest in the form of a headache. That’s why it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between ordinary headaches and serious headaches when one is pregnant. So if the symptoms of headache are not relieved even when medication and proper rest is already taken, it becomes of utmost importance to consult a doctor right away.
Other Remedies for Headaches
There are a lot of things that can cause headaches, aside from hormonal reasons. When one is pregnant, the requirement for body fluids is high because your baby has high demands for water during the developmental phase too. And if you become dehydrated, it can manifest in the form of headache. You can help ease the situation by drinking plenty of water to rehydrate yourself, and not just depend on a pain reliever for relief and comfort.
If you’ve been lacking in rest and sleep, this can trigger a headache too. So after taking a Tylenol, make sure that you lie down and rest. If you can fall asleep its even better, as sleep can help your body to recover from any type of ailment faster.
Always Go for Safe Medicines
Pregnancy is a difficult and sensitive state, as the system doesn’t respond to medications as it used to. Since a baby is growing and developing inside your uterus, any type of drug you take in will have an influence on your baby too. It is therefore important that you are aware of the safe drugs and medications that you can take without posing any risk to your child.
