Is Excedrin Safe During Pregnancy? What Pregnant Women Need to Know

Can You Take Excedrin While Pregnant?

Headaches and migraines are common ailments that many women experience during pregnancy. For some, over-the-counter medications like Excedrin provide much-needed relief from pain. But is Excedrin safe to take when you're expecting? Here's what pregnant women need to know about using Excedrin and other pain relievers during pregnancy.

How Pregnancy Can Affect Headaches

During pregnancy, hormone fluctuations and increased stress levels can trigger headaches and migraines in some women. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), over half of all pregnant women experience headache pain at some point during their pregnancy.

For some women, being pregnant actually improves headaches. Lower estrogen levels during pregnancy can reduce migraine frequency and severity in women who are prone to menstrual migraines that flare before or during their periods.

However, others may find that pregnancy triggers new headache symptoms or worsens chronic migraines. Factors like fatigue, stress, low blood sugar, and caffeine withdrawal can all exacerbate headaches when you're expecting.

Is Excedrin Safe During Pregnancy?

Excedrin contains three active ingredients: acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. So is it safe for pregnant women to use?

Here's what you need to know about each of these components:

• Acetaminophen - This pain reliever is considered safe during pregnancy when used as directed. Regular strength Tylenol also contains acetaminophen.
• Aspirin - ACOG recommends avoiding aspirin during the third trimester unless specifically advised by your doctor. Taking aspirin late in pregnancy has been linked to complications like bleeding problems and low amniotic fluid.
• Caffeine - Consuming large amounts of caffeine (more than 200mg per day) may be associated with miscarriage and low birth weight. Excedrin contains 65mg of caffeine per dose.

Due to the aspirin and caffeine content, most doctors recommend avoiding Excedrin while pregnant. Using too much caffeine and NSAIDs like aspirin can potentially impact your pregnancy or developing baby.

Safer Headache & Migraine Treatment Options During Pregnancy

While Excedrin should be avoided, there are other safe options for treating pregnancy headaches and migraines:

• Acetaminophen - Regular strength Tylenol contains acetaminophen without any aspirin or caffeine. Take only as directed.
• Warm/cold compresses - Applying a warm or cold compress to your head or neck can help alleviate headache pain.
• Massage - Gentle massage of the head, neck and shoulders may provide headache relief during pregnancy.
• Stay hydrated - Dehydration can trigger headaches, so drink plenty of water.
• Rest - Getting extra rest and sleep can help when headaches strike during pregnancy.
• Meditation - Meditation and relaxation techniques may ease headache symptoms.
• Acupuncture - Acupuncture performed by a licensed professional is considered safe for treating migraines during pregnancy.

When to See a Doctor About Pregnancy Headaches

Severe or persistent headaches during pregnancy can sometimes be a sign of an underlying problem. Contact your doctor right away if you experience:

• Extremely painful headaches, especially if it's your first one or the worst ever.
• Headaches that don't improve with over-the-counter medication.
• Headaches along with vision changes, high blood pressure, dizziness or swelling.
• Headaches that prevent you from doing your normal activities.

Most headaches during pregnancy aren't cause for concern. But it's always a good idea to mention them to your doctor so the cause can be evaluated.

Can You Take Excedrin While Breastfeeding?

After your baby is born, over-the-counter medications pass into breastmilk in small amounts. The lowest effective dose should always be used. Here's what lactating women need to know about taking Excedrin:

• Acetaminophen - Considered safe for nursing mothers when used as directed.
• Aspirin - Best to avoid while breastfeeding due to possible adverse effects on the baby.
• Caffeine - Moderate caffeine consumption (less than 300mg per day) is generally considered safe during breastfeeding.

Due to the caffeine and aspirin content of Excedrin, occasional use while breastfeeding is likely fine. But regular or excessive use is not recommended. Be sure to watch your baby for any potential side effects like restlessness or poor sleeping.

For the treatment of headaches and other pain while nursing, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are considered safer options than aspirin. And stay hydrated, get extra rest, and use cold therapy when possible.

The Bottom Line

Headaches are relatively common during pregnancy, especially during the first and third trimesters. But before taking any medication for headache relief, be sure to check with your doctor.

Due to its aspirin and caffeine content, Excedrin should be avoided during pregnancy. Tylenol is a safer option for managing occasional headaches. For chronic migraines, your doctor may recommend massage, biofeedback, acupuncture or other alternative therapies that can provide relief without medication.

In general, it's best to avoid Excedrin while breastfeeding as well. Use medication sparingly, in the lowest effective doses possible. Staying hydrated, getting adequate rest, reducing stressors, and using cold compresses can all help safely treat headaches during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Be sure to consult your doctor about any headache symptoms during pregnancy or lactation. They can evaluate your symptoms, provide guidance on proper treatment, and offer alternatives to minimize your discomfort.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.