Paracetamol in Labour

In early labour, you may be advised to take paracetamol to ease the pain you may be feeling with your contractions. However, new research shows that paracetamol actually inhibits prostaglandins - the hormones needed for your cervix to soften and dilate to birth your baby! - so many now consider it to be counter-productive.

That being said, if you’re struggling to cope and it will bring you back within your window of tolerance, it may make you more relaxed and cope better having a positive effect in the long haul. Every person will feel differently about this balance.

You may want to use other coping tools at your disposal first, but find paracetamol helpful in avoiding more medical pain management further down the road. As always, you know what’s right for you!