is it safe to take paracetamol when pregnant

It is generally considered safe to take paracetamol during pregnancy for pain relief and fever reduction when used as directed. Paracetamol is the first-choice painkiller recommended during pregnancy and has been well- studied, with no good evidence that it harms the baby when taken at normal doses. Effective treatment of fever early in pregnancy might even reduce certain risks to the baby, such as neural tube defects. However, recent expert discussions urge caution and recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. Some studies have suggested potential links between prolonged or high-dose use of paracetamol during pregnancy and certain neurodevelopmental or reproductive risks in the child, but these findings are not conclusive and have methodological limitations. Current advice remains that short-term, appropriate use is safe, but it is best to discuss any medication use during pregnancy with a healthcare provider. In summary, paracetamol is the safest and most commonly recommended pain relief medication during pregnancy, but caution with dose and duration is advised, and professional guidance should be sought if there are concerns.