Almost every second woman takes painkillers during pregnancy

Paracetamol and Co: Every second pregnant woman takes painkillers

Expectant mothers are advised to pay particular attention to their health during pregnancy, to eat a balanced diet and to keep their hands off alcohol. They should also be careful with medicines. Because the intake can be dangerous to the unborn child. But almost every second pregnant woman takes painkillers.

Painkillers can be dangerous for the unborn child

Scientific research has shown that analgesics can be very dangerous during pregnancy. Among other things, this increases the risk of developing autism and ADHD. However, 47 percent of pregnant women take painkillers during pregnancy. This has resulted in a study in the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE).

Almost every second woman takes painkillers during pregnancy. Such medicines can harm the unborn child. (Image: fizkes / fotolia.com)

Most pregnant women prefer paracetamol

Most women (86 percent) therefore prefer the active ingredient paracetamol for a painkiller requirement. The intake was usually only over a short period of time and in low dosage.

Nevertheless, the scientists of the UKE point out that with careless and habitual use of painkillers during pregnancy with possible side effects is to be expected.

Paracetamol is an analgesic approved as a drug during all three trimesters of pregnancy. In general, the over-the-counter availability and the high level of awareness ensure a high self-medication rate.

"With regard to pregnancy, there were hardly any detailed data on the incidence and frequency of admission in Germany", says study leader Dr. med. Anke Diemert from the Clinic for Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine of the UKE in a communication.

"However, recent studies indicate an increased risk of asthma after taking acetaminophen in pregnancy. Therefore, it was urgently required to provide reliable data on the intake of paracetamol during pregnancy, "said the expert.

Influence on long-term child health

In the PRENCE study (Prenatal Determinants of Childrens Health), which has been investigating in the UKE for several years which factors may have an influence on long-term child health during pregnancy, the pregnant participants are asked once a trimester, among other things, about their painkillers.

Accurate data on the duration and dose of intake are documented. According to data from a total of 518 PRINCE participants, 47 percent of pregnant women took a painkiller at least once during pregnancy.

In the process, 86 percent of the women used acetaminophen, with a short duration and a low dose.

Dr. Diemert pointed out that taking Paracetamol during pregnancy may well be indicated for pain and fever.

"Critically, only cases are seen in which paracetamol is used habitually and, if necessary, without hesitation. Here should be considered possible side effects for the unborn child. "(Ad)