What might happen if a pregnant woman takes paracetamol?

According to studies, if a mother takes the painkiller paracetamol while she is pregnant, there may be a risk to the unborn child.

It is common knowledge that women who are pregnant should avoid reaching for medication out of ignorance. Taking the pain reliever paracetamol during pregnancy was thought to be safe for a long time; however, recent studies suggest that the pain reliever may pose a threat to the developing foetus in a number of ways, including the potential for speech disorders and reduced fertility. According to reports, the condition primarily affects young women.

Despite this, it is a fact that pregnant women, as well as women who are breastfeeding, are also susceptible to experiencing pain. Before taking any over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol, ibuprofen, or the like, it is essential to have a medical professional evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of doing so.

Paracetamol in pregnancy: speech disorders in girls?

Paracetamol in pregnancy is not safe, as it can lead to delayed language development in the baby. A Swedish study by Professor Dr. Carl-Gustaf Bornehag from the University of Karlstad found that taking paracetamol during pregnancy can lead to delayed language development in the offspring. 

However, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) noted that the study did not yet provide any certainty about the dangers of paracetamol and had to be confirmed. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) also noted that the study did not yet provide any certainty about the dangers of paracetamol and had to be confirmed.

The First Baby Study of the Pennsylvania State University found that taking paracetamol during pregnancy increases the risk of the child developing attention and sleep disorders. However, the results are viewed critically by experts due to the statistical significance being very easy to determine. 

The mothers were only questioned in the 35th week of pregnancy and then the behavior of the child at the age of 3 years. It is also problematic that neither the dose, frequency or time at which the analgesic was taken by the pregnant woman was taken into account.

Can paracetamol cause infertility during pregnancy?

Paracetamol during pregnancy can increase the risk of asthma in children, but Danish researchers found that it can reduce the number of oocytes in the female fetus.

Drugs can have a negative impact on fertility, as they decrease the number of oocytes in female offspring, leading to difficulty getting pregnant.

The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices says that paracetamol should only be taken rarely, for as little time as possible, and in small amounts. It also applies to breastfeeding, as the active ingredient is passed on to the child in small doses via breast milk. Always check with a doctor before taking paracetamol during pregnancy.

Paracetamol, ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, and diclofenac should not be taken during pregnancy due to the risk to the baby and child’s development.


Painkillers during pregnancy: always clarify the benefit-risk assessment with your doctor.

When taking painkillers during pregnancy, it is important to discuss this with the doctor and not take them arbitrarily.

No matter what the active ingredient is, it is important to talk to a doctor before taking painkillers while you are pregnant. 

Taking NSAIDs during pregnancy can be serious, as taking them for a few days can cause kidney problems in the baby. The risk-benefit ratio and dosage of painkillers must be assessed by medical professionals to ensure the child is protected.

Antipyretics: paracetamol and ibuprofen : what’s the difference?

Antipyretics: paracetamol and ibuprofen : what’s the difference?

When a child’s temperature rises above 38 °C, we administer an antipyretic medication. Learn which medication to pick and how to administer it. The decision is largely based on the illness’s underlying cause.

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  • Children are given paracetamol or ibuprofen as antipyretics and pain relievers.
  • Paracetamol has an antipyretic and analgesic effect.
  • Ibuprofen also has anti-inflammatory properties.
  • – The first-line treatment is usually paracetamol, which can be taken regardless of the cause or age.
  • – Ibuprofen is not recommended in certain circumstances, such as acute diarrhea, chickenpox, or kidney disease.

Children are given one of two painkillers and antipyretics: paracetamol or ibuprofen (both are available under different names, but the active ingredients remain the same). They differ primarily in the mechanism of action.

Paracetamol or ibuprofen?

Paracetamol relieves pain and lowers fever. It works by affecting the central nervous system (i.e. it has the so-called central effect). Ibuprofen can also help with pain and swelling.

To put it simply, if a child has pain in their leg, both paracetamol and ibuprofen will help, but only ibuprofen will stop the inflammation from getting worse. Paracetamol is the drug of choice for babies and small children. It can be used for any pain or fever, no matter what caused it or how old the child is (as well as in pregnant and lactating women).

If the baby is already 3 months old and the doctor decides that the inflammation needs to be treated, he will give the baby ibuprofen. This medicine can also be used to treat inflammation that isn’t caused by an infection. This includes teething, growing pains in older children, migraines, and painful periods. But it is not a good choice for people with acute diarrhea, chickenpox, herpes zoster, mononucleosis, or kidney disease.