Ibuprofen When You Are Pregnant: Risks And Alternatives

During pregnancy, women must be especially careful when taking medication. There are certain medications, such as ibuprofen, that can have dangerous side effects for the growing child.

Ibuprofen is a common drug that you can find in the medicine cabinet in almost every home. It relieves pain from swelling, for example, and is often recommended for muscle pain, headaches and arthritis.

Ibuprofen was discovered and patented in 1961 as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Today, it is a common component in anti-inflammatory drugs and also in medications that relieve cold symptoms.

Ibuprofen when you are pregnant: Why not take it

If you experience any kind of pain or discomfort during pregnancy, never take ibuprofen to relieve it.

Doctors do not recommend ibuprofen when you are pregnant due to the risks to the fetus. In addition, it is best not to alleviate symptoms that may be a warning sign of the mother’s overall health.

Risks of ibuprofen for the child

According to studies, ibuprofen can have the following consequences during the first trimester of pregnancy:

• Risk of miscarriage
• Heart defects and other anomalies, such as cleft lip and palate
• Intestinal malformations such as gastroschisi, a fetal injury in which the intestines extend beyond the baby’s abdomen through a hole next to the navel

During the first two thirds of pregnancy, you should not take ibuprofen because of the above risks. However, in cases where ibuprofen is necessary, a doctor may prescribe a very low dose.

During the last trimester of pregnancy, women should not take ibuprofen under any circumstances.

The risks of taking ibuprofen during the last months of pregnancy

If a woman takes ibuprofen during the last trimester of pregnancy, she exposes the baby to the risk of developing the following serious problems:

• Reduced volume of amniotic fluid and thus a delay in childbirth.
• Problems with the development of the baby’s lungs.
• Malformations of the heart. Ibuprofen can block the heart and cause serious consequences for the fetus.

Regardless of when a mother takes ibuprofen during pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage always increases. Therefore, it is best not to take ibuprofen, but always consult a doctor.

Ibuprofen before pregnancy

In addition to the risks that ibuprofen poses to unborn children, ibuprofen can also cause problems for women before pregnancy.

Ibuprofen reduces the production of prostaglandins, a substance that is essential in the ovulation process. Prostaglandins also help the embryo to attach to the wall of the uterus during implantation.

What can you take instead of ibuprofen when you are pregnant?

There are medications that can replace ibuprofen. As always, you should check with your doctor before taking any medicine while you are pregnant.

• Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen. At recommended doses, paracetamol is considered safe to reduce pain in pregnant women. However, it is best to avoid taking medications during pregnancy, or only take them when really necessary.
• Throat tablets. If you experience pain or that you are itchy in the throat, regular throat lozenges are a good alternative that does not harm the fetus.
• Antacids. Heartburn is a common ailment during pregnancy, and many women take antacids to prevent it. Remember to talk to your doctor beforehand to make sure that antacids are derived from magnesium and aluminum.
  
  

Try the natural way

Even if you are not in the habit of looking for herbal remedies, it is a good option during pregnancy. Teas with lime, lemon or ginger are very effective and safe to use during pregnancy. You can also try honey, thyme and bay leaves.

If you suffer from back pain, a massage and heat will help the area. You can also choose to wear a belly belt for extra support and perform stretching exercises.

More suggestions

It is always best to avoid taking any form of medicine during pregnancy unless it is absolutely necessary. Ibuprofen is particularly dangerous due to the health risk to the unborn baby.

There are medications that pregnant women can take without any major risks, but you should only take them under the supervision of your doctor and only when needed.

If a mother-to-be is experiencing pain that requires treatment during pregnancy, it is important not to self-medicate. You should always consult a doctor before taking prescription drugs. In any case, read all the text on the packaging and do not forget to also look for safer, more natural alternatives.