Over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen are readily available, but that doesn’t mean you should pop a pill anytime you have a headache.
Ibuprofen, for example, should be avoided, as it can be detrimental to your baby’s development in the early stages, and could potentially affect the duration of your labour in the last few weeks. Taking too much paracetamol (panadol) is also not advisable.
Codeine, aspirin, and even certain herbal remedies are not safe for consumption throughout your pregnancy. Always check first with your doctor or a pharmacist that certain drugs are safe to take during pregnancy.
By Dorothea Chow
