During pregnancy, the body's defenses are significantly weakened, and at this time the woman is more susceptible than ever to colds, viral and infectious attacks. But during the period of gestation, taking medications is undesirable, since synthetic substances can cause harm to the fetus, and the list of approved medications is very small. It is permissible to use paracetamol during pregnancy to lower the temperature and get rid of pain of various origins only subject to the recommendations of the doctor.
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The composition of the drug
The active substance of the drug is paracetamol (Paracetamolum). This component belongs to phenacetin derivatives, and has the ability to affect neurons in the central nervous system, as well as reduce the aggressiveness of enzymes that contribute to the development of inflammatory processes.
The drug is rapidly absorbed, without affecting the gastric mucosa, and after a short period of time spreads throughout the body. Shortly after taking, a decrease in body temperature occurs, and pain becomes less pronounced or disappears altogether. Withdrawal of the drug from the body during urination.
In addition to the main substance, the composition of the medicine includes additional components of various types, depending on the form of release of the drug.The medication is presented in ordinary and soluble tablets, powders, rectal suppositories, and there is also children's Paracetamol in the form of a syrup.
Indications for the use of Paracetamol during pregnancy
During the period of gestation, it is better to avoid taking any chemical therapeutic agents, and drinking Paracetamol during pregnancy is allowed only in the presence of the following conditions:
- temperatures above 38C;
- fever
- headache, toothache and muscle pain;
- migraines and ailments of a neuralgic nature;
- pain due to burns or traumatic injuries.
Attention! In these situations, you can take Paracetamol only with the permission of a doctor, self-medication threatens with dangerous consequences.
How to take an antipyretic drug, dosage
Expectant mothers Paracetamol is prescribed in minimum dosages, while it is better to use it in tablet form. Consider how to drink the drug at different times.
On the 1st trimester
In the first trimester, the fetal organs are laid, and any drug exposure can lead to serious disorders. Paracetamol is able to have a negative effect on the urogenital system of an unborn baby, for example, it has been proven that when a mother takes this drug, the risk of developing cryptorchidism in male infants increases.
But viral and infectious diseases transferred in the early stages of pregnancy cause the fetus no less harm, therefore, treatment with Paracetamol with influenza or SARS is justified. To alleviate the condition, it is permissible to drink 1/2 tablet no more than 2 times a day.
On the 2nd trimester
After 12 weeks, the process of laying the organs is completed, but they continue to develop, and any chemical effect can be fatal. Drinking Paracetamol in the second trimester is not recommended, but if the expectant mother is tormented by headaches or toothaches, migraines or fever, it is allowed to drink the medicine at the dosage prescribed by the doctor. As a rule, it is not more than 1 g at a time.
On the 3rd trimester
In the last stages of pregnancy, the risk of harming the baby due to taking medications is not so great, but nevertheless, care must be taken.
During this period, it is allowed to use Paracetamol to alleviate the condition with headaches, dental problems, neuralgia and fever. The maximum dose for a single dose is 1 g, and the allowed daily volume is 4 g.
Attention! Drink the medicine before eating with a sufficient amount of water. And the course of therapy with Paracetamol should not last more than 5 days.
The danger of taking Paracetamol during pregnancy
If you use Paracetamol correctly, the risk of complications is almost zero. But if you violate the recommendations of a specialist, the consequences can be very sad.
In the early stages, when the organs of the unborn child are laid, uncontrolled intake of the drug can lead to a violation of this process, as a result of which various pathologies will arise. And also an overdose of Paracetamol can provoke a miscarriage.
In the second trimester, taking any medications is undesirable, as this will entail serious disorders in the functioning of the baby’s organs. In particular, the active ingredients of Paracetamol can adversely affect the baby's bronchopulmonary system.
At the final stage of pregnancy, when the placental defense weakens, chemicals freely penetrate the fetus. If Paracetamol is taken incorrectly, this threatens the appearance of problems in the digestive system of the unborn child, as well as serious neurological disorders.
Contraindications, side effects and overdose
In the annotation to the drug, pregnancy and lactation are called one of the contraindications to its use. But doctors allow the use of Paracetamol during these periods in limited doses.
A complete ban on treatment with a medication while carrying a baby applies to the following cases:
- serious impairment of renal and hepatic activity in the expectant mother;
- various pathologies of pregnancy;
- the presence of allergies to the components of the drug.
Paracetamol is able to provoke the development of side effects, which are manifested by the following symptoms:
- nausea and vomiting;
- stool disorders;
- sleep disturbances;
- dizziness
- problems with kidney activity;
- pain in the stomach;
- skin allergic reactions;
- irregular blood pressure;
- changes in the composition of the blood.
Attention! If side effects occur as a result of taking Paracetamol, you should immediately stop treatment and report the problem to your doctor.
With an overdose of the drug, the severity of side effects increases, and symptoms of intoxication join them. This condition is characterized by vomiting, severe headache, loss of consciousness, hallucinations and delusions. In such cases, the intervention of specialists is required, therefore, if signs of an overdose are detected, you must immediately call an ambulance.
It is worth noting that side effects and violations in the development of the unborn child, as a rule, arise only as a result of improper medication. With the correct use of Paracetamol for a short period of time, this medicine is unable to harm the mother and baby. However, you should not use it too often, the use of any medications during pregnancy is justified only in situations where the possible harm is much lower than the expected benefit.
