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Treating Fever and Pain During Pregnancy

9 June 2026

Fever and pain during pregnancy are not something you simply have to endure. Taking medication during pregnancy is considered safe in many cases, and avoiding it may actually harm both the mother’s quality of life and the developing baby. The key is knowing what is allowed, when it can be taken, and at what dose.

Medication safety varies by stage of pregnancy: the fetus develops at different rates in each trimester, and the absorption of medications and their effects through the placenta also change.

  • Paracetamol (Acamol, Dexamol) is the first-choice treatment and is considered safe throughout pregnancy, with attention to limited dosing and short-term use in the third trimester.
  • Dipyrone (Optalgin) is considered safe during the first two trimesters, and in the third trimester only when there is a clear medical need.
  • NSAIDs (such as Nurofen, Advil, Voltaren) may be used in the first trimester, used with caution in the second trimester, and are completely contraindicated in the third trimester, as they may trigger contractions and harm the fetus.

General principle

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration, read the medication leaflet, and check for drug interactions. For example, keep a two-hour gap between iron supplements and milk, coffee, or tea. It is also important to remember that prescribed medications should not be stopped on your own—sometimes stopping treatment is more dangerous than continuing it.

Important: In any case of uncertainty, fever lasting more than 3 days, pain lasting more than 5 days, or any unusual symptom, seek medical evaluation, contact the Ministry of Health hotline (*5400), or the National Teratology Information Service (02-5082825).

Fever and pain during pregnancy are not something you should simply "put up with." Pregnant women deserve treatment and relief, and it is also important for the developing baby that the mother feels well. Many pregnant women wonder whether it is safe to take medication and sometimes avoid treatment to prevent unnecessary risks, even when it means discomfort and a reduced quality of life.

In the article below, we will address this common concern and provide clear guidance for each stage of pregnancy.

Guidance on common over-the-counter medications

Mechanism of action

How the medication works in your body and how it may affect the developing baby.

Pregnancy week

During the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus is in a critical stage of organ development. In the second and third trimesters, the picture is different—while your body continues to go through changes, there are also changes in how medications are absorbed and how they pass through the placenta to the fetus.

Research findings

Evidence that certain medications are not associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations or developmental problems in fetuses when used during specific stages of pregnancy.

All of these factors influence medication guidance during pregnancy and mean that recommendations are not the same across all stages of pregnancy.

Guidelines for common over-the-counter medications

First-line medications (the first recommended treatment by healthcare professionals). Hundreds of thousands of pregnant women take these medications worldwide, and they are proven to be safe for use during the first two trimesters of pregnancy (dosage: up to 4 grams per day). In the third trimester of pregnancy, these medications are still considered safe, but it is important to limit the dose—meaning to take the lowest effective dose and stop as soon as the fever or pain subsides. In the third trimester, special care should be taken not to use the medication for prolonged periods.

In the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, the medication is considered safe for use (dosage: up to 4 grams per day). In the third trimester of pregnancy, it should only be taken if there is a real and essential need, and even then it is recommended to use the lowest possible dose. Do not exceed 3 grams per day, and do not use it for more than 3–4 days.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, these medications may be used and are not associated with an increased risk to the fetus beyond the baseline risk (the natural risk that exists in every pregnancy even without medication use). In the second trimester of pregnancy, they may also be used, but with caution—meaning a relatively low dose for a short period of only one or two days (not a full week). In the third trimester, it is important to avoid these medications completely, as they may cause uterine contractions, induce labor, and affect the fetus. Dosages (relevant only during the stage of pregnancy when these medications are permitted):

  • Ibuprofen: dose 200–400 mg, up to 3 times per day.
  • Diclofenac: dose 75–150 mg per day.
  • Naproxen: dose 275–500 mg per dose, up to 2 times per day.

Smart use of medications

  • Take the lowest effective dose
  • Use for the shortest possible duration
  • Read the medication leaflet
  • Check for interactions with other medications

It is important to know how to use these medications correctly and safely:

  • Take the lowest effective dose: It is better not to start with the maximum dose right away, but instead to use the minimum dose that is effective—meaning the dose that reduces fever or relieves pain.
  • Use for the shortest possible duration: Has the fever gone away? Has the pain stopped? Do not continue taking the medication “just in case.” It is better to use medication for the shortest possible time.
  • Read the medication leaflet: Before taking any medication, it is important to review the instructions in the leaflet. Each medication has different characteristics; for example, some should be taken with food or after meals to avoid stomach irritation.
  • Check for interactions with other medications, supplements, or foods: Before taking medication during pregnancy, it is important to consult a pharmacist or physician to determine whether there are any special instructions. For example, some medications should not be taken together, or they may require spacing apart because one can affect the absorption or effectiveness of the other.

In any case, if you are unsure about anything related to a medication, it is important to consult a healthcare professional and not make decisions on your own.

Prescription medications

If you are taking prescription medications—for example, for blood pressure, blood clot prevention, diabetes, or other conditions—the natural question is: “Can I continue taking my regular medication during pregnancy, or should I stop?”

Many women assume it is safer to stop all regular medications, but in most cases the opposite is true. There are many medications for which stopping treatment is more dangerous for the woman than continuing them during pregnancy. For example, in a woman who regularly takes blood pressure medication and stops it without medical guidance, there may be a sudden rise in blood pressure that can harm both her and the fetus. In a woman taking antidepressant medication who stops it during pregnancy, there may be a deterioration in mental health that can also negatively affect the developing baby.

It is important not to make these decisions on your own. Instead, consult the physician who prescribed your regular medication, as they are familiar with your medical history and can recommend the most appropriate way to proceed for you.

When to seek medical advice

If something is bothering you or you are unsure about taking medication during pregnancy, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. In addition, there are several situations you should be aware of, and if they occur, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation and advice:

  • Persistent fever: If you took fever-reducing medication and the fever continues for more than 3 days.
  • Persistent pain: If you took pain medication but the pain does not improve within 5 days.
  • Side effects: If you experience severe or unexpected side effects after taking medication (for example: extreme nausea, dizziness, or any unusual symptom). This does not always mean the medication is unsafe for you, but it requires medical evaluation.
  • Suspected allergic reaction: If you are sensitive to a specific medication, or if you experience an unexpected reaction after taking it, such as itching or breathing difficulties.
  • Any uncertainty: Any situation in which you are unsure about treatment—for example, if you are not certain about your pregnancy stage and what is permitted, or if you do not remember which medication you previously took.

To conclude, it is important to remember that you deserve answers to any questions about medications during pregnancy. You are not alone in this, and there are several places you can turn to for professional guidance:

  • National Teratology Information Service: Phone: 02-5082825
  • Pharmacist: Can provide guidance on correct medication use, dosing, side effects, and interactions with other medications, dietary supplements, and food.
  • Your doctor: Knows you and your medical history best.
  • Ministry of Health hotline: Phone: *5400.