Does taking ibuprofen increase the chance of miscarriage?
Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Some studies have suggested that the use of ibuprofen might increase the chance of miscarriage, especially if taken around the time of conception or over a long period of time. As there can be many causes of miscarriage, it is hard to know if medication, the medical condition being treated, or other factors are the cause of a miscarriage.
Does taking ibuprofen increase the chance of birth defects?
Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if a drug an exposure, like ibuprofen, might increase the chance of birth defects if taken during a pregnancy.
There are some studies that have not reported an increased chance of birth defects with ibuprofen use. There are also few studies that have suggested that taking ibuprofen in the first trimester might lead to a small increased chance (less than 1% chance) for gastroschisis (when the intestines stick out of a hole in the stomach wall). One study is not enough information to make a conclusion about the chance of birth defects.
A small increased chance of heart defects has been reported in a few studies looking at NSAID prescriptions in early pregnancy. However, the reason the NSAID was prescribed was not available in most of the reported data. Studies based on filled prescriptions/prescription records, so the researchers cannot tell if a person really took the medication. This makes it hard to know if the study outcomes are related to the medication or other factors.
Does taking ibuprofen in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?
Ibuprofen is generally not recommended for use after week 20 of pregnancy. There have been some reports that NSAID use in the 2nd half of pregnancy might affect the fetal kidneys and the amount of amniotic fluid (fluid that surrounds the fetus in the uterus). One study suggested that the use of NSAIDS in the 1st half of pregnancy might also affect the fetal kidneys and amount of amniotic fluid. If there is not enough amniotic fluid (called oligohydramnios), other pregnancy complications, such as poor lung development and joint contractures (joints are stiff or unable to move), could happen. Oligohydramnios can also increase the chance that an early delivery is needed through induction of labor or C-section.
There are some studies that suggest NSAIDs can increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth. Other studies have not reported these findings.
Ibuprofen use later in pregnancy might also cause premature closure of the opening between the two major blood vessels (ductus arteriosus) leading from the heart. This can cause high blood pressure in the baby’s lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
Ibuprofen should only be used under a healthcare provider’s supervision, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Your healthcare providers can closely monitor your pregnancy if you need to use ibuprofen after week 20.
Does taking ibuprofen in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?
It is not known if ibuprofen can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child.
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