A pregnant woman in her second trimester experiences headaches. Which medication is recommended for pain relief?

Acetaminophen is the recommended medication for pain relief during pregnancy, especially for a pregnant woman in her second trimester. It is considered safe for use and is the most commonly recommended over-the-counter analgesic for managing mild to moderate pain, including headaches.

The reason acetaminophen is favored is due to its well-established safety profile for both the mother and the developing fetus when taken at the recommended dosages. Additionally, it does not carry the same risks associated with other analgesics that might adversely affect pregnancy outcomes or fetal development.

In contrast, medications like aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are generally advised against during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, due to their potential to cause complications, such as increased risk of bleeding and adverse effects on fetal development. Acetaminophen stands out as the appropriate choice for managing headache pain in the second trimester.