Can Tylenol Be Taken During Pregnancy?

Posted on Sun, 30 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 30 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am currently almost 8 weeks pregnant and having flu like symptoms periodically throughout the day for 2 weeks now. It was in the evening more at first, but now it seems to come at any time. My temperature is normal, but skin feels like it's burning up everywhere but my hands and feet. I feel so achy it makes me not have the ability to be active. I been putting ice packs on my neck and stomach for 15 to 20 minutes each time to cool off. I recently started prenatals, B6 (500mg) three days ago. I have also been taking white willow bark, but not going to take much of it, because it may not be good. Some doctors recommend Tylenol, but I don't like taking those pills and they are also a cause for disorders in the child. Trying to have a healthy pregnancy, but worried about these symptoms. Also been taking apple cider vinegar to fight off any possibility of infections. I would appreciate feedback on what I should do with my symptoms. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get some blood work done.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
I think you should be having some investigations now.
Get blood work done - complete blood count, peripheral smear, thyroid profile, urine routine microscopy and urine culture .
Do you stay in a place endemic for any specific infection ?
And it is safe to take paracetamol during pregnancy.
You can take it for a few days at minimum dosage.
It is common during pregnancy to have such symptoms without any particular explanation.
SO just get the blood work done, and have an internal exam by a physician.
If that is in order, just wait for the first trimester to pass, as things generally improve then.
All the best.
Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar