Paracetamol use during pregnancy: What you need to know

Even the most trouble-free pregnancy has its share of aches and pains¹. The good news is that some of these discomforts will go away as your pregnancy progresses, while others can be easily relieved with the power of Panado®.

During pregnancy, your body undergoes a complete transformation as your baby grows. Your centre of gravity decides to play musical chairs, your organs rearrange to make room for your growing baby, and increased weight puts pressure on your joints and muscles.^1a

The circulatory system, too, faces stress during pregnancy, possibly leading to soft tissue pain due to fluid retention.^1b Nerve pain enters the scene, often due to nerve compression from weight gain or uterine pressure.^1c The sciatic nerve tends to be impacted, especially in later pregnancy and sometimes post-delivery.^1d

In the first trimester, shifting hormones and blood volume can trigger headaches. Additionally, as your body readies itself for childbirth by loosening ligaments, it becomes more prone to strains, resulting in leg aches and back pain.³ Overall a headache can often be exacerbated by fatigue, stress and eyestrain.²

Medications during pregnancy

The journey from the moment of conception to birth is an intricate process, and substances you consume can sometimes cross the placenta, affecting your baby’s growth and well-being.^4a To ensure the healthiest outcome for both you and your baby, it’s recommended you discuss any medications, supplements, or treatments with your health care provider before using them during pregnancy.

The use of certain medications during pregnancy has been associated with lower birth weights, meaning that the baby may be born smaller than expected. Premature birth, where the baby arrives before the full term, is another possible outcome due to the influence of certain medications.^4b
Remember, staying informed and seeking professional advice can greatly contribute to a smoother and healthier pregnancy journey.^4c

The power of Panado®

Panado® contains paracetamol, which boasts over 150 years of clinical experience⁵, and the first choice of painkiller if you’re pregnant.⁶ Paracetamol offers reliable relief for mild to moderate pain, for headaches, toothaches, sore throats, general aches, and rheumatic discomfort.^7a It aids in alleviating flu symptoms and feverishness.^7b

Clinical studies show paracetamol is not only the choice for pregnancy, but also for those who are sensitive or allergic to aspirin.^8a

How Panado® can help

Panado® offers a wide variety of pain and fever solutions for infants and children, teenagers, adults, pregnant women, and seniors. It is available in tablet⁹, capsule¹⁰ or effervescent¹¹ form and offers fast pain relief.

Panado® Tablets provide relief from pain and fever. For those seeking an alternative, Panado® Capsules offer a convenient option: the capsule shells are designed to be smoother and more slippery, making them easier to swallow – especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with tablet consumption. The tasteless and odourless nature of the capsules caters to those who find tablets’ taste or aftertaste bothersome. In cases where swallowing tablets or capsules poses a challenge, Panado® Effervescent formulation serves as convenient solution.

Make pain and fever care easy by shopping for Panado® products available from Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem and independent pharmacies.
For more information, visit
www.panado.co.za

References & Additional details

1. Healthline. What body aches can you expect during pregnancy? Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/body-aches-pregnancy. Last accessed September 2023.
2. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. Headaches in early pregnancy. Available from: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=headaches-in-early-pregnancy-134-3. Last accessed September 2023.
3. MedlinePlus. Aches and pains during pregnancy.  Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000580.htm. Last accessed September 2023.
4. BetterHealth. Pregnancy – medication, drugs and alcohol. Available from:  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-medication-drugs-and-alcohol. Last accessed September 2023.
5. 150 years of paracetamol. GP Pharma Update Mar/Apr 2019.
6. Bumps. Paracetamol. Available from: https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/. Last accessed September 2023.
7. Cambridge UniversityHospitals. Pain relief during pregnancy and after birth. Available from: https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/pain-relief-during-pregnancy-and-after-birth/. Last accessed September 2023.
8. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergic reactions to aspirin and other pain killers. Available from: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/drug-allergy/allergic-reactions-to-aspirin-and-other-pain-killers. Last accessed September 2023.
9. Panado® Capsules approved package insert, August 1984.
10. Panado® Tablets approved professional information, July 2016.
11. Panado® Effervescent (Tablet) approved professional information, July 2016.