Headache while pregnant: can you take paracetamol? Medicines usually OK, ones to avoid, and when not to just take a pill and wait

Headaches in pregnancy are really common. Changing hormones, too little sleep, cutting back on coffee, hot weather: it all adds up to a foggy, aching head. But when you go to open the medicine cabinet, your hand freezes. Can I take this? Will it reach the baby? In the end you just sit there and put up with it.

So let’s clear it up: which painkillers are usually OK, which to avoid, and the thing we most want you to remember, which kinds of headache you shouldn’t just take a pill for and wait, because they may be a sign of a condition that needs a hospital.

Can pregnant women take paracetamol?

Quick Answer: Yes. The NHS says paracetamol is usually the most suitable painkiller for pregnant women, and it’s commonly used during pregnancy.

The NHS advice is to use it for the shortest time possible, only as needed, and to ask a pharmacist, midwife or doctor about the right dose. In Thailand, whenever you buy medicine at a pharmacy, always tell the pharmacist how many weeks pregnant you are, so they can advise you more accurately.

• Use the dose on the label, or as your doctor or pharmacist tells you
• Don’t take more than the stated dose, and don’t take two products that both contain paracetamol (some cold medicines also contain paracetamol)
• If you need to take it for several days in a row, or it doesn’t help, see a doctor rather than taking more on your own

The paracetamol and autism news: should I worry?

Quick Answer: In 2025, ACOG issued a statement confirming that paracetamol is still a safe and beneficial medicine during pregnancy when used appropriately.

In 2025, news from overseas left many moms uneasy. ACOG (the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) reaffirmed its existing position that paracetamol is still a safe and beneficial medicine for pain relief and fever during pregnancy when used appropriately, and the NHS still recommends it as the first choice.

Another angle to consider: putting up with a high fever or a lot of pain has downsides too. So it’s not about being so afraid of medicine that you never take it. Use it when needed, at an appropriate dose, and if you need it often, talk to your doctor.

Which painkillers should I avoid?

Quick Answer: NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen shouldn’t be taken on your own during pregnancy, especially from 20 weeks onward. Avoid medicines containing codeine unless your doctor prescribes them.

Medicine	General status during pregnancy	Source
Paracetamol	Usually the first choice. Use as directed on the label, for the shortest time	NHS
Ibuprofen, naproxen and other NSAIDs	Avoid unless a doctor prescribes them	NHS
NSAIDs from 20 weeks	Avoid. May cause low amniotic fluid through effects on the baby’s kidneys	FDA
Medicines containing codeine	Not recommended	NHS
Low-dose aspirin	Only when prescribed by a doctor, for example to prevent preeclampsia	FDA

And some common situations in Thailand:

• Ya chud (ยาชุด, ready-made medicine packets), sachet medicines, or anything with unknown ingredients. Never take these during pregnancy, because you don’t know what drugs are mixed in.
• Muscle pain creams or gels. Some contain NSAIDs. Ask a pharmacist before using them.
• Herbal medicines or traditional boiled herbal remedies (ya mor) recommended by well-meaning elders. Ask your doctor first too. Natural doesn’t always mean safe for pregnant women.
• If you’re not sure, take a photo of the label to show a pharmacist, or write the medicine’s name in your pink antenatal record book for your doctor to see at your next appointment.

What kind of headache shouldn’t I just take a pill for and wait?

Quick Answer: If your headache is severe, doesn’t go away with medicine, or comes with blurred vision, fast swelling, or pain under your ribs, go to the hospital immediately, because it may be preeclampsia.

The NHS lists these warning signs of preeclampsia. It’s most common from 20 weeks of pregnancy, but can happen at any stage, including after the birth.

Go to the hospital now if…

• You have a severe headache that won’t go away, even after taking a painkiller
• You have blurred vision, see flashing lights, or have other vision problems
• You have pain or pressure under your ribs or below your breastbone
• Your face, hands or feet swell up unusually quickly
• You’re vomiting or feeling very unwell
• Your blood pressure at home is higher than the level your doctor told you to watch for
• You have a headache together with a high fever, stiff neck, seizures, or weakness in your arms or legs

These symptoms are not something to take paracetamol for and lie down to see how it goes. Go to the labor ward or emergency room at the hospital where you have antenatal care, or the hospital nearest you. Read more at Preeclampsia warning signs

For an ordinary headache, what can I do besides taking medicine?

Quick Answer: Drinking enough water, resting, eating on time and relaxing can often ease headaches without relying on medicine.

The NHS has some simple things to try first:

• Drink water often. In hot weather like Thailand’s, it’s easy to get dehydrated.
• Get enough rest and find a comfortable sleep position. Read tips at Sleep positions in pregnancy
• Eat on time. Don’t let yourself go hungry for long.
• Relax: stretching, prenatal yoga, slow breathing
• If you’ve just cut back on coffee, cut down gradually, because stopping suddenly can cause headaches.

When should I tell my doctor about headaches?

Quick Answer: If you get headaches so often that you’re taking medicine almost every day, or the pain feels different from usual, tell your doctor. Don’t wait for it to get bad.

Before you go, jot down roughly how often you get headaches, where it hurts, which medicine you’ve taken and how much, and whether you have any other symptoms. It makes talking to your doctor much easier. If you’ve just started antenatal care, see what to ask in Your first antenatal visit

Asking a pharmacist or calling the hospital doesn’t mean you’re worrying too much. Asking first is always best, for you and for your baby.