CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Is Ibuprofen Safe During Pregnancy?

I’m so confused about what’s safe. Can I take ibuprofen? 
save article
profile picture of Kelly Kasper, MD
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image

Ibuprofen, commonly known by the brand names Motrin and Advil, is a great pain reliever and fever reducer. But it’s best to stay away from it right now.

Here’s why: While ibuprofen is actually pretty safe in the early parts of pregnancy, it can cause some serious problems for baby if you take it after 30 weeks or so. “Ibuprofen can actually cause an important passageway in the baby’s heart to close when taken in late pregnancy. That passage needs to stay open while the baby is still inside the uterus and is meant to close up soon after birth.” says Kelly Kasper, MD, ob-gyn and associate clinical professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine. “If that passage closes before birth, it can cause serious problems, including heart or lung damage and death.”

Because its potential side effects are so dangerous — and because it can be difficult to remember  what week of pregnancy you’re in — many doctors simply tell their patients to stay away from ibuprofen completely while pregnant. If you have a  fever or need pain relief, take  acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead. Research has shown acetaminophen to be safe throughout pregnancy.

Already took ibuprofen — either before you knew you were pregnant or before you read this article? Don’t freak out. “A one-time dose isn’t going to hurt your baby, even if you took it past the 30-week mark,” says Kasper. “The serious and scary side effects of ibuprofen tend to occur with repeated, chronic use of the medication. If you happened to take a dose of Advil because you had a headache last week and you’re 33 weeks pregnant, your baby will be fine.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

pregnant woman holding glass of water and two white pills
A List of Over-The-Counter Medications You Can Take While Pregnant
By Nehal Aggarwal
woman taking tylenol pills
Can You Take Tylenol While Pregnant?
By Anna Davies
pregnant woman in pajamas sitting on her bed
Taking Tylenol While Pregnant May Increase Risk of ADHD, Study Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
paper heart cut out
How to Safely Treat Heartburn While Pregnant
By The Bump Editors
folic acid supplement pregnant women should take
Do You Need Folic Acid or Folate? It Depends on Your Genes, Study Says
By Anisa Arsenault
Illustration of a prescription bottle full of pills
Study Takes a Closer Look at What Antibiotics During Pregnancy Mean for Baby
By Ashley Edwards Walker
When Is the Best Time to Take My Prenatal Vitamin?
When Is the Best Time to Take My Prenatal Vitamin?
By Sharon Phelan, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Pregnant woman holding cigarette
Could Drugs and Alcohol During Pregnancy Become a Crime?
By Ashley Edwards Walker
How to Relieve Headaches Without Medication
How to Relieve Headaches Without Medication
By Maria Kammerer
African American woman researching on laptop.
Three Rules of Thumb Every High-Risk Pregnancy Patient Should Know
By Heather Spohr
ADVERTISEMENT
Are Sleeping Pills Safe During Pregnancy?
Are Sleeping Pills Safe During Pregnancy?
By Laura Schocker
Is It Safe to Take Ketoprofen?
Is It Safe to Take Ketoprofen?
By Christian Hoffman, MD
Tylenol’s Safe for Moms-to-Be, but Researchers Worry About Effects On Baby
Tylenol’s Safe for Moms-to-Be, but Researchers Worry About Effects On Baby
By Kylie McConville
ADVERTISEMENT
Antidepressants During Pregnancy Are Linked to Autism Risk
Antidepressants During Pregnancy Are Linked to Autism Risk
By Ivy Jacobson
FDA’s New Drug Labeling: How Will This Affect Your Pregnancy?
FDA’s New Drug Labeling: How Will This Affect Your Pregnancy?
By Anisa Arsenault
Is Zofran Safe for Pregnant Women? New Study Says…
Is Zofran Safe for Pregnant Women? New Study Says…
By Kylie McConville
Is It Safe to Take Antidiarrheal Medicine?
Is It Safe to Take Antidiarrheal Medicine?
By Kelly Kasper, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Q&A: What Medications Stop Labor Progression?
Q&A: What Medications Stop Labor Progression?
By Karen Moise, RN
Is Asthma Medication Safe During Pregnancy?
Is Asthma Medication Safe During Pregnancy?
By Jenna McCarthy
Q&A: Can I Take Antidepressants While Pregnant?
Q&A: Can I Take Antidepressants While Pregnant?
By Denise Gershwin, CNM
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List