Ibuprofen is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and fever. It is not advisable for use during pregnancy, especially during or after 30 weeks of gestation. The use of Ibuprofen during the first and second trimesters is based on a risk-benefit assessment.
Highlights
- Ibuprofen is contraindicated in pregnant women, especially after 20 weeks of gestation as it can result in renal and cardiovascular disease risks in the fetus.
- If the benefits of Ibuprofen outclass its risks during pregnancy, it is recommended to reduce the dose and monitor the response continuously.
- It is always recommended to use the medicines only on prescription during pregnancy.
Can Pregnant Women take Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is contraindicated during pregnancy, particularly in advanced pregnancy. NSAIDs, including Ibuprofen, should be strictly avoided if alternatives for the medicine are available.
Ibuprofen during Early Pregnancy
Ibuprofen is characterized in pregnancy category B during the gestation of less than 20 weeks. This indicates that no reproductive risks are established in animal studies but little or no data is available for fetal risks in pregnant women.
Ibuprofen during 20 or More Weeks of Pregnancy
Ibuprofen after 20 weeks of gestation is contraindicated and is categorized in pregnancy category D as it can cause renal dysfunction in the fetus. Evidence suggests that Ibuprofen during initial trimesters decreases the amount of amniotic fluid and may also lead to neonatal renal impairment.
If Ibuprofen is prescribed by a gynecologist during 20-30 weeks for body aches, it is recommended to;
- Reduce the Ibuprofen dose during pregnancy to a minimum
- Ultrasound monitoring is required when using NSAIDs during pregnancy
Consult a doctor for a prescription before using Ibuprofen during pregnancy.
What Happens if You Take Ibuprofen while Pregnant?
Ibuprofen during pregnancy is generally avoided due to its wide range of complications associated with the fetus and the mother. Some of the risks of using Ibuprofen during pregnancy include;
- Ventricular Septal Defects: This is a congenital defect in a fetus associated with the use of COX inhibitors during pregnancy. The retrospective analysis concluded that the use of Ibuprofen during pregnancy results in a ventricular septal defect or a hole in the heart. The absolute risk for cardiovascular malformation was increased from less than 1% up to approximately 1.5 % according to the studies.
- Increased Chances of Miscarriage: NSAIDs like Ibuprofen inhibit the production of prostaglandins in women. Prostaglandin is an important component of embryonic implantation. The inhibition of prostaglandins increases the risk of miscarriage due to abnormal implantation.
- Low Amniotic Fluid Levels: Most of the amniotic fluid is formed during the initial 20 weeks of gestation. Ibuprofen during early pregnancy results in renal defects and oligohydramnios or decreased levels of amniotic fluid. Neonatal renal defects are also associated with the use of Ibuprofen in pregnant women.
- Delayed Labour Onset: Ibuprofen in pregnant women during the second and third trimesters can delay and prolong labor due to decreased or no production of prostaglandins and cytokines.
- Increased Risk of Bleeding: Ibuprofen can increase the risk of bleeding in women particularly at risk of hemorrhage due to low platelet levels. Ibuprofen crosses the placenta and passes to the fetus. This interferes with the platelet functioning of the fetus making it more prone to bleeding.
- Increased Risk of Asthma: Taking Ibuprofen in pregnant women can increase the risk of developing asthma in the baby, particularly by 18 months of age.
Read Also: Early signs and symptoms of pregnancy
Can you take Ibuprofen during Breastfeeding?
Low levels of ibuprofen are secreted in breast milk. No significant adverse effects are reported on the production of the composition of breast milk with the use of Ibuprofen.
Although it is safe, Ibuprofen is not a first line therapy for pain management during lactation. Its use during breastfeeding is based on risk-benefit assessment. Prescription use of Ibuprofen during breastfeeding is recommended to prevent complications.
Does Ibuprofen Affect Implantation?
It is recommended to avoid Ibuprofen when you are trying to get pregnant as Ibuprofen can affect implantation. Ibuprofen decreases the amounts of prostaglandins produced by the uterus. This results in abnormal or no implantation and thus no pregnancy. Thus, Ibuprofen is known to reduce fertility in females.
What Painkillers can you Take During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy causes intense back pain, cramps, leg pain, headache, and related symptoms. To relieve pain during pregnancy, Paracetamol is considered a drug of choice. Paracetamol or acetaminophen is considered an alternative to NSAIDs during pregnancy for pain relief.
Also Read: Can you take Tylenol while pregnant
For coughs and colds, herbal medicines are usually recommended. You can also use single-ingredient cough suppressants and dextromethorphan on doctor’s prescriptions.
Consult a doctor for any health concerns during pregnancy to avoid fetal and maternal complications.
FAQs
1. Is diclofenac safe in Pregnancy?
The use of NSAIDs in pregnant women is not recommended especially during 30 or more weeks of gestation. Diclofenac like all NSAIDs increase the risk of septal defects in the fetus and decrease the amniotic fluid.
2. What happens if you accidentally take Ibuprofen while pregnant?
Taking a single dose of Ibuprofen accidentally does not cause any harm to pregnant females. However, avoid using NSAIDs frequently during pregnancy. Report to the doctor immediately in case of any complications.
3. Can Ibuprofen hurt early pregnancy?
Ibuprofen use during early pregnancy (before 20 weeks) is based on the risk-benefit assessment. It is reported that Ibuprofen can cause intestinal defects in the fetus when used during early pregnancy.