Sorting Fact from Fiction: Panadol in Pregnancy & Beyond

An Interview with Dr Sarah Borwein

Shannon: Dr Sarah, there’s been a lot of chatter recently about the safety of Panadol (or Tylenol, as it’s called elsewhere) in pregnancy. Should women be worried?

Dr Sarah Borwein: It’s understandable that headlines like these can cause alarm, especially during pregnancy when every decision feels so important. But the reality is that Panadol remains one of the safest and most widely recommended medications for reducing pain and fever in pregnancy—provided it’s used as directed. The concern raised in some recent reports isn’t backed by strong evidence, and leading medical bodies worldwide haven’t changed their guidance. In fact, untreated fever itself is more likely to pose a risk to pregnancy than the occasional dose of Panadol.

Shannon: Why do you think these stories spark so much fear?

Dr Sarah: Interpreting medical research is complex. It takes years of training to understand not only the data itself, but also how strong—or weak—a study actually is. On social media and in the press, results are often presented without context, simplified into soundbites, or spun to grab attention. Unfortunately, this can create fear rather than provide clarity. Even highly educated patients—and sometimes doctors—can struggle to separate fact from sensationalism.

Shannon: So, when it comes to everyday health decisions, how can people know what to trust?

Dr Sarah: That’s where guidance from a trusted medical team makes a real difference. Whether we’re talking about Panadol in pregnancy or the supplements people take for general wellbeing, context is everything. For example, vitamins, minerals, and nutraceuticals can be incredibly helpful—sometimes even essential—but only when used in the right way. Without the proper guidance, it’s easy to take the wrong product, the wrong dose, or miss what your body really needs.

Shannon: What’s your advice for people who feel overwhelmed by conflicting health advice?

Dr Sarah: I would say: don’t feel you need to navigate it all on your own. Our role as doctors is to cut through the noise, look at the evidence, and translate it into practical, safe, and personalised recommendations. Whether you’re trying to choose the safest pain reliever in pregnancy, or wondering which supplements will truly support your health, we’re here to help you make decisions with confidence rather than confusion.

Takeaway:

Headlines may change, but the evidence on Panadol in pregnancy remains reassuring: it is safe when used as directed. The bigger picture is about learning how to filter information—and having experts you can rely on for clear, balanced advice.

✨ Contact us +852 9177 1562 , or book your appointment with Dr Sarah here