Acetaminophen, Pregnancy & ADHD

Acetaminophen is classified as an analgesic, which is a pain relief medicine.Acetaminophen is far from what can be considered a "safe drug" and this is why:

1. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) links approximately 980 deaths per year to acetaminophen.

3. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, analgesics are the top reason people call a poison control center.

4. Other researchers have found 56,000 emergency room visits and 26,000 hospitalizations can be attributed to acetaminophen annually.

5. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics, has linked taking acetaminophen during pregnancy with conduct disorders and hyperactivity in children.

Acetaminophen During Pregnancy Linked to Hyperactivity and Conduct Disorders:

A British study examined the association between behavioral problems in children and mothers who took acetaminophen during pregnancy and/or during the postpartum months, or partners who took acetaminophen.

The researchers concluded: "Children exposed to acetaminophen prenatally are at increased risk of multiple behavioral difficulties." The researchers did find that these results were not explained by social factors or other behavioral challenges linked to increased use of acetaminophen.

As compared to individuals who did not use acetaminophen during their pregnancy, those who took the drug during weeks 18 and 32, had a 31% increased risk of hyperactivity and a 42% higher relative risk of conduct disorders in their children.

This study controlled a number of different variables that could have affected the results, such as genetics, smoking and alcohol use. There were over 7,700 participants in this study.

Other Studies Confirm Results & Identify More Risks:

This is not the only study associating acetaminophen with dangerous side effects to your health and the health of your children.

1. A recent study from the Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CERAL), Barcelona, Spain, found a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and hyperactivity and autism. The researchers discovered more symptoms of autism in boys whose mothers took acetaminophen during pregnancy, than in girls. They found that all children exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy were 30% more likely by age 5 to demonstrate attention impairments linked with hyperactivity disorder or autism.

2. A Danish study found an association between the drug and children later diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children whose mothers used acetaminophen during pregnancy were at higher risk for hyperkinetic disorder, use of ADHD medications or having ADHD-like behavior by age 7. There was a stronger association when mothers took the drug in more than one trimester.

3. Another study published in 2009 found mothers who used acetaminophen in the third trimester were at higher risk for preterm birth.

4. A study published in 2013 found children exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy developed motor skills, communication and language skills more slowly than those children who were not exposed.

The Number of Children With ADHD is Rising:

1. In both private insurance and Medicaid populations, the number of children being treated with drugs for ADHD continues to rise.

2. In 2011, approximately 11% of children between the ages of 4 and 17 were diagnosed with ADHD. This is a significant rise from 7.8% in 2003.

Medications used to treat this hyperactivity disorder are stimulants, which come with their own list of side effects and dangers. Common side effects include headaches, upset stomach and increased blood pressure. Less commonly, children may experience a loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia and tics.

Natural Alternatives for Pain, Fever and Anti-Inflammatory Treatment:

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) continues to recommend acetaminophen for treatment of minor discomfort, fever and pain during pregnancy.

There are other choices for treatment, according to Dr. Aisling Murphy, assistant clinical professor at University of California Los Angeles Obstetrics and Gynecology as reported by CNN.

"Minor aches and pains (e.g., headaches or mild backache), are common in pregnancy and often are a reason for patients to take acetaminophen. The practice is very common."

However, she also counsels her patients to use other methods first, and avoid any unnecessary medication during pregnancy, including acetaminophen. These alternative modalities may include:

• Hot or cold packs to the area may help reduce discomfort or pain. However, do not use a sauna or hot tub as these raise your core temperature, increasing the risk for miscarriage or some birth defects.
• Your headache or muscle aches may respond well to massage to increase relaxation and improve blood flow to aching muscles or joints.
• Ginger tea may help relieve tension and sooth your aching head. However, not all herbal teas are safe during pregnancy. Teas contain many of the same nutrients as foods, but in more concentrated forms. Ginger tea may help relieve aching muscles, reduce insulin resistance, ease morning sickness and relieve stress. Use fresh organic ginger root to steep your own tea at home and avoid the potential of accidentally ingesting harmful additives.
• Essential oils are another way to relax, unwind and reduce pain and discomfort. A favorite of some midwives is Frankincense topically, in your bath water or as a scent in your room.
• Getting plenty of sleep may also help reduce your perception of discomfort and pain. During pregnancy your body is working to develop a new human being. You require more rest and sleep than you normally would. Lack of sleep may increase your perception of pain and discomfort. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep see my previous article, "16 Chronological Tips to Improve Your Sleep."

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