[Pain management during pregnancy : A balancing act between benefits and risks].

Pain management during pregnancy poses a considerable challenge in everyday clinical practice. The relief of maternal discomfort must be weighed against the potential risks of using medication (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, steroids, opioids, gabapentinoids). The current data on congenital anomalies, complications during pregnancy, neonatal adaptation or withdrawal symptoms, and long-term psychomotor developmental disorders in children exposed in utero must be taken into account. However, refraining from treating chronic maternal pain during pregnancy can also cause problems for the child's development. Given the limited research findings, prescribing physicians must clarify the advantages and disadvantages of treatment strategies through informed, joint decision-making with their patients. This overview is intended to serve as an evidence-based guide for optimizing pain management during pregnancy while minimizing risks to offspring.