Can I Take Paracetamol When Pregnant?
Paracetamol is the most commonly used painkiller and fever reducer in the UK, and questions about whether it is safe during pregnancy come up frequently. The short answer is that paracetamol has a long history of use in pregnancy and is generally considered the pain relief option of first choice when medication is needed — but it should still be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary.
Quick Answer
Paracetamol in pregnancy: Paracetamol is generally considered safe in pregnancy when taken at the recommended dose (500mg to 1000mg, up to four times daily as needed). Do not exceed 4g (eight standard 500mg tablets) in any 24-hour period. Always take it for the shortest time possible and speak to your midwife or GP if you find yourself needing it regularly.
Table of Contents
Is Paracetamol Safe in Pregnancy?
Paracetamol has been used by pregnant women for many decades and is the analgesic (painkiller) most consistently recommended as safe during pregnancy by UK healthcare authorities, including the NHS and NICE. Unlike ibuprofen and aspirin, which are not recommended in pregnancy (particularly from 20 weeks onwards), paracetamol does not carry the same concerns about affecting amniotic fluid levels, fetal kidney development, or causing premature closure of blood vessels in the baby.That said, no medication during pregnancy is entirely without consideration. Some research has looked at associations between prolonged paracetamol use in pregnancy and certain outcomes, which has led to updated guidance recommending that paracetamol is used only when necessary, at the lowest dose that works, and for the shortest time needed to control symptoms.
For occasional use — for example, to manage a headache, a temperature, or mild to moderate pain — paracetamol remains the recommended first choice in pregnancy.
Always consult your GP, midwife, or pharmacist before taking any medication during pregnancy, including over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements.
How to Take It Safely
If you need to take paracetamol during pregnancy:- Dose: The standard adult dose is 500mg to 1000mg per dose (one or two standard 500mg tablets).
- Frequency: You can take it up to four times in 24 hours, leaving at least four hours between doses.
- Maximum: Do not exceed 4g (eight standard 500mg tablets) in any 24-hour period.
- Duration: Take it for the shortest time needed. If you find you need it every day for more than a few days, speak to your midwife or GP.
- Check other products: Paracetamol is also found in combination cold and flu remedies, some branded headache tablets, and other over-the-counter products. Be careful not to take paracetamol from multiple sources at the same time, as this can lead to exceeding the safe daily limit.
If your symptoms are not responding to paracetamol, or if you have a high temperature that is not coming down, contact your GP or call 111 rather than taking extra doses.
NHS Guidance
The NHS advises that paracetamol is the preferred pain relief option during pregnancy, and that you should take it at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible. It advises against ibuprofen during pregnancy, and aspirin should only be taken if specifically prescribed by a doctor (for example, for pre-eclampsia prevention in some high-risk pregnancies).The NHS also notes that you should always tell your pharmacist, GP, or midwife about any medicines you are taking during pregnancy, including over-the-counter products.
If you have concerns about managing pain during pregnancy, your midwife or GP is the right person to talk to. They can give advice that takes your individual circumstances into account.
What to Avoid Instead
Some painkillers commonly used outside of pregnancy are not recommended when you are expecting:- Ibuprofen (Nurofen and other brands): Not recommended during pregnancy, especially from 20 weeks onwards. It can affect your baby's kidneys and reduce amniotic fluid levels.
- Aspirin: Not recommended as a painkiller during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed. Do not take standard over-the-counter aspirin for pain.
- Codeine: Only appropriate if prescribed by a doctor, and not for regular or prolonged use in pregnancy.
- Combination cold and flu remedies: Many contain decongestants, which are not recommended in pregnancy. Always check the label and ask your pharmacist.
Frequently Asked Questions
### What if I already took paracetamol before knowing I was pregnant?Don't panic. Occasional paracetamol use before you knew you were pregnant is not a cause for concern. Contact your midwife or GP for reassurance if you are worried, and mention it at your booking appointment. They can provide reassurance based on when and how much you took.
Can I buy paracetamol over the counter while pregnant?
Yes. Standard paracetamol tablets are available over the counter. Always tell the pharmacist you are pregnant, especially if you are buying a combination product, so they can check that everything in it is appropriate. The pharmacist will not recommend anything unsafe and will suggest alternatives where needed.
Is it safe to take paracetamol every day during pregnancy?
Taking paracetamol every day is not recommended unless advised by your GP or midwife. If you are in pain that requires daily pain relief, speak to your healthcare team so they can identify the cause and discuss the most appropriate management. Regular use without medical review is not advised.
Always speak to your midwife or GP for personal advice about managing pain or fever during pregnancy.
Last reviewed: June 2026
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