Pain medication use during pregnancy.

Pain management during pregnancy is a frequently encountered issue in clinical practice. It is important to balance treatment of maternal pain with the potential risks of medication exposure on fetal development. This review examines the safety and risks associated with various pain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, steroids, opioids, gabapentinoids, and muscle relaxants. While many analgesic medications have demonstrated benefits for treatment of acute or chronic pain in pregnancy, others carry risks such as congenital anomalies, neonatal withdrawal syndrome, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Data on long-term neurodevelopmental effects remain inconclusive for many medications. Given the limitations of available research, healthcare providers must weigh the benefits and risks of pain management strategies through informed, shared decision-making with patients. This review provides an evidence-based resource to guide clinicians in optimizing pain treatment during pregnancy while minimizing fetal and neonatal risks.