Pain relief and safety can rhyme during your pregnancy

Early action is key

Ideally, you should meet with your doctor when you decide to have a baby. If the pregnancy was not planned, talk to your pharmacist or doctor as soon as you know you are pregnant.

Your healthcare professionals will carefully analyze the medications you are taking and recommend alternative options as needed. Do not hesitate to voice your concerns. You should be actively involved in this process.

Never stop your treatment on your own. Your pain level may increase and have a negative impact on your health, for example raising your blood pressure which can be harmful to the fetus too, or your health condition may deteriorate and become more difficult to control when the treatment is reinstated.

Safe use of OTC medications during pregnancy

Acetaminophen is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is often the medication of choice to relieve mild to moderate pain.

OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, may not be safe for you or your baby, so always ask your pharmacist before taking one.

Depending on your pain treatment, taking an over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic in addition to your pain medication may or may not be a safe option. OTC analgesics can contain the same ingredients, or very similar ones, as those in your prescription medications, putting you at risk of taking too much. Many “all-in-one” products to treat cold or allergies also contain an analgesic. For these reasons, always validate with your pharmacist before taking an OTC pain relievers.

If you become ill, with a cold for example, or have pregnancy–related discomfort, such as heartburn, never take an OTC product or a natural health product without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Your health care professionals will recommend safe options to relieve your symptoms.

Relieving pain with non-drug measures

To help relieve your pain, you may also consider alternative methods like stretching, meditation or relaxation techniques. These non-drug methods can help you better manage your pain during and after your pregnancy.