Fever Medications and Pregnancy

Great care should be taken with medications and drugs during pregnancy. Despite this, surveys around the world confirm that 90% of women take at least one medication at some time during their pregnancy. Many of these are not being prescribed. So what should a pregnant woman do if they have a headache or fever and a homeopathic remedy is not known?

Should common, over the counter medications like aspirin or acetaminophen (also called paracetamol) be taken?

Fevers Should be Controlled During Pregnancy

Doctors now agree that controlling fever during pregnancy is very important. Prolonged fever above 100.4% especially early in pregnancy, is associated with increased risk of miscarriages and neural tube defects. It is also important to note that spending longer than 10 minutes in a hot bath or sauna can easily raise the body temperature above 100.4%

If not schooled in homeopathy, acetaminophen is considered the best choice of medications during pregnancy (only at the normal recommended dose!). Taking acetaminophen to control a fever during pregnancy is much safer for the unborn baby than not controlling the fever.

Aspirin and other NSAIDS should not be used unless prescribed by a doctor. Although their use has not been associated with an increase in birth defects, taking normal doses shortly before delivery may cause bleeding problems in the baby, as well as serious heart and lung problems. Aspirin has also been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage but there is as yet no conclusive evidence for this.
In summary doctors recommend that fevers during pregnancy should be treated and that acetaminophen should be the fist choice of medication. For more severe pain requiring something stronger than acetaminophen , it is best to see your doctor.

source:
http://www.yourdiagnosis.com/Yourdiagnosis/newsletter/07JuneNewsletter/fever.htm