Ibuprofen in Pregnancy — Is It Safe?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
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Avoid ibuprofen in pregnancy — particularly in the third trimester, where it can cause serious complications including premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
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Is it safe to take Ibuprofen with Pregnancy?
Ibuprofen is not recommended during pregnancy, especially from 20 weeks onwards. In the third trimester (from 28 weeks), the NHS and FDA advise avoiding it entirely. Ibuprofen can reduce amniotic fluid levels (oligohydramnios) and cause the blood vessel connecting the fetal heart and lungs (ductus arteriosus) to close too early, which can damage the baby's heart. Paracetamol is the recommended painkiller throughout pregnancy.
How do Ibuprofen and Pregnancy interact?
Ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis (COX-1/2). Prostaglandins are essential for maintaining fetal renal function (oligohydramnios risk) and keeping the ductus arteriosus open. NSAID use after 20 weeks can cause fetal renal dysfunction and reduced urine output, leading to oligohydramnios. After 28 weeks, the ductus arteriosus becomes progressively more prostaglandin-dependent — NSAID use can cause premature constriction, leading to pulmonary hypertension in the neonate.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: FDA Drug Safety Communication: Ibuprofen and NSAIDs from 20 weeks gestation (2020); OpenFDA drug label data.
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All pregnant women should avoid ibuprofen. Women trying to conceive should also be cautious — ibuprofen around ovulation may impair implantation. Women who took ibuprofen early in pregnancy before knowing they were pregnant should speak to their midwife.
What if I've already taken Ibuprofen and Pregnancy?
If you took ibuprofen early in pregnancy before you knew you were pregnant, do not panic — the risk is very low at very early stages. Inform your midwife or GP so they can monitor appropriately. Do not take more ibuprofen. Paracetamol is safe throughout pregnancy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take ibuprofen during pregnancy?
No. Ibuprofen should be avoided in pregnancy, especially from 20 weeks onwards. Paracetamol is the safe alternative throughout pregnancy.
What can I take for pain during pregnancy?
Paracetamol is the recommended painkiller throughout pregnancy at standard doses. Always tell your midwife or GP about any medications you take.
I took ibuprofen before I knew I was pregnant — is my baby OK?
Very early ibuprofen use before the fetal cardiovascular and renal systems develop is lower risk. Inform your midwife and they will advise on any monitoring needed.
Can ibuprofen cause miscarriage?
Some studies suggest NSAID use in early pregnancy may be associated with a slightly increased miscarriage risk, though evidence is not conclusive. The clearer risks are in the second and third trimesters. Avoid ibuprofen throughout pregnancy.