首页媒体健康文章 Can Pregnant Women Take Paracetamol? Plus Headache Relief Tips

Can Pregnant Women Take Paracetamol? Plus Headache Relief Tips

October 30 / 2026

Can pregnant women take paracetamol?

Many times, expectant mothers may experience headaches and fever, and they also worry about whether taking paracetamol (Paracetamol) will affect their unborn child. Ramkhamhaeng Hospital 2, along with our doctors, would like to be a reliable source of information to help mothers take care of themselves with confidence.

Can pregnant women take paracetamol ? Is it really safe for the unborn baby?

Expectant mothers can safely take paracetamol throughout every trimester, as confirmed by leading medical institutions such as ACOG, SMFM, NHS and MHRA

There is still no evidence confirming that taking paracetamol will cause the unborn baby to develop autism (Autism) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): based on global research involving a sample group of over 2.4 million children.

On the contrary, leaving high fever untreated causes more harm and increases risks to the fetus compared to taking appropriate pain-relief medication.

What medicines can pregnant women take for headaches ?

The first-choice medication recommended by doctors is single-ingredient paracetamol (without hidden combinations of other drugs). However, you should always consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medication or herbal supplement.

Can pregnant women take paracetamol?

How can pregnant women relieve headaches ? 7 ways to relieve pregnancy headaches without medication

If you want to relieve symptoms without relying on medication, you can do the following:

Observe and avoid triggers: Keep a record of foods or smells that trigger headaches.
Light exercise: Go for walks or practice gentle yoga to promote blood circulation.
Manage stress: Talk and release built-up stress.
Practice body relaxation: Take deep breaths, meditate, or get a relaxing massage in pregnancy-safe positions.
Eat well and drink enough water: Prevent low blood sugar and dehydration.
Get enough sleep: Maintain good sleep hygiene to prevent headaches.

What kind of headaches during pregnancy are dangerous ? Warning signs to see a doctor immediately

You should see a doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms:

Severe headache or persistent pain lasting a long time.
Headache accompanied by high blood pressure.
Fever.
Severe pain that does not improve after taking paracetamol.

Top causes! Why pregnant women frequently get headaches in each trimester

Pregnancy headache in Trimester 1 (Gestational age 1 - 12 weeks): Caused by rapid hormonal changes, morning sickness, low blood sugar, and lack of rest.
Pregnancy headache in Trimester 2 (Gestational age 13 - 27 weeks): Often caused by neck and shoulder muscle tension from postural changes, dehydration, or stress.
Pregnancy headache in Trimester 3 (Gestational age 28 weeks onwards): Associated with increased body weight, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, and the need to watch out for high blood pressure.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I take paracetamol on an empty stomach? Will it hurt the stomach ?

Yes, you can. Since it is not in the NSAIDs group, it does not irritate the stomach. You should drink water afterwards and strictly follow dosage instructions.

Q2: How many pills of paracetamol can a pregnant woman take per day ? Safe dosage and duration

No more than 4,000 milligrams per day (for 500 mg tablets, no more than 8 pills in 24 hours), using the lowest dose and shortest effective duration. If symptoms do not improve, you should see a doctor.

Q3: What medications should pregnant women avoid for headaches ?

Avoid NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Ibuprofen) and naproxen (Naproxen), as well as aspirin and uncertified herbal medicines.

Paracetamol remains the first safe choice for pregnant women when used correctly and in appropriate amounts, alongside non-pharmacological self-care. If severe symptoms occur, see a doctor immediately.

For more information, contact
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, 1st Floor, Ramkhamhaeng 2 Hospital
Email: information@ram2-hosp.com
Line Official: @ram2
Phone: 02-032-3888