Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug — an NSAID — used to relieve pain. Research has not focused on the effects of ibuprofen itself during pregnancy, but on the effects of ibuprofen in combination with other NSAIDs. Some studies have shown that taking ibuprofen during your pregnancy can increase the risk of health problems for you and your baby. The potential problems vary according to whether it is early or late in your pregnancy. Since there are conflicting opinions about research findings related to ibuprofen, it is best to consult your doctor before taking ibuprofen.
Early Pregnancy
According to the Organization of Teratology Information, studies have linked early pregnancy use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, with increased risk of miscarriage. However, other studies did not confirm this link. A few studies found a possible link between early pregnancy use of NSAIDs and a risk of certain birth defects. However, numerous other reports have not shown this risk when women take ibuprofen as directed during the first and second trimesters. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns against taking ibuprofen during pregnancy — no trimester specified — because it can affect your baby’s kidneys.
Late Pregnancy
Taking ibuprofen in the third trimester can cause problems for your baby and for you. A vessel in your baby’s heart might close earlier than it should. This premature closure can result in high blood pressure in your baby’s lungs and possibly death. Ibuprofen can also cause low amniotic fluid levels, which might lead to delayed or prolonged labor. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against taking ibuprofen unless your doctor recommends it, because it can cause complications during delivery, as well as problems for your baby.
Risk for Birth Defects
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that taking ibuprofen during pregnancy can increase the risk for gastroschisis, a birth defect in which the baby’s intestines are outside his body. Other factors, such as the use of alcohol and tobacco, also contribute to the increased risk for gastroschisis. According to the Organization of Teratology Information, three studies showed that taking prescription NSAIDs in early pregnancy can cause a slightly increased risk of heart defects. The studies, in most cases, did not indicate the illness for which the doctor prescribed the NSAID. Some illnesses can increase the risk of heart defects, so the risk might be from the illness, not the NSAID.
Long-Term Risk
A study conducted by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology indicated that sons born to women who took painkillers, such as ibuprofen, during the second trimester can experience problems later in life as a result. They can be born with undescended testicles, a condition that can increase the risk of testicular cancer and infertility. Another study conducted in France and Denmark supported the findings. The study found that painkillers change how the body produces testosterone. However, Dr. De-Kun Li, senior research scientist at the Kaiser Foundation Research Institute in California, disagreed with the findings of both studies and called the research relatively weak.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Ibuprofen Drug Facts Label
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Facts about Gastroschisis
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Painkillers in Pregnancy May Harm Son's Fertility, Study Suggests; Nov. 11, 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Staying Healthy during Pregnancy
- BabyCenter:; Is It Safe to Take Ibuprofen During Pregnancy?; Sara Riordan
- Organization of Teratology Information Specialists; Ibuprofen and Pregnancy; March 2010
