SPOKANE, Wash. – President Trump’s recent announcement on the use of acetaminophen have sparked widespread discussion.
Local OB/GYN Providers have also see an increase in questions about the use of the medication as a pain and fever reducer.
In an interview before President Trump’s Monday Announcement, Dr. Elizabeth Newell from Spokane OB/GYN told Non Stop Local that uncertainty can lead to mothers looking to other sources.
“So we’ll see that as well, that they start reaching out to things that are alternative medications,” Dr. Newell said.
Friday Morning, she cautioned against using untested medication.
“So we know from experience and decades that Acetaminophen is actually safe to do in pregnancy,” Dr. Newell said.
She explained despite the recent announcement, most doctors will continue to utilize acetaminophen for pregnancy aches, pains and fever.
If mothers do want to utilize alternative pain medications, Newell says acupuncture and massage therapy are suitable during pregnancy.
Unregulated supplements, Newell explains, are a different story.
“They’re not regulated, so it’s really not appropriate to take, most of the time during a pregnancy,” Newell said.
She also explained that uncertainty surrounding acetaminophen might lead more women to try less studied and less regulated solutions.
“Yes, they will go towards things that are less studied in the literature and less well regulated because of marketing or misinformation that’s out there,” Newell said.
She encourages expectant mothers to discuss pain control methods with their doctors to ensure the safety of their babies.
“I usually tell them, you know, just ask. A lot of times people think they are going to get judged for their questions,” Newell said.
