What Happens If You Accidentally Take Ibuprofen While Pregnant?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A one-off dose at any stage of your pregnancy is unlikely to cause you or your baby harm. Taking ibuprofen regularly during

pregnancy may harm your baby

though, so the safest thing is to avoid it. If you take ibuprofen often in the first trimester, it may increase your chance of having a miscarriage.

Can you miscarry on ibuprofen?

Using ibuprofen, other common painkillers around time of conception linked to miscarriage risk: study. Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) around the time of conception significantly increases the risk of miscarriage in the

first eight weeks of pregnancy

, a study suggests.

Can ibuprofen cause miscarriage in second trimester?

Does taking ibuprofen increase the chance of miscarriage?

Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy

. It is not known if taking ibuprofen early in pregnancy increases the chance for miscarriage. Some studies show a higher chance for miscarriage compared to those who do not take NSAIDs but other studies do not.

What can ibuprofen do to a fetus?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found significant evidence that taking ibuprofen during the third trimester

can be harmful to babies

. For example, research shows that ibuprofen can cause a passage in the baby’s heart to close prematurely, possibly leading to heart or lung damage, or even death.

Will taking ibuprofen once hurt my baby?


It’s unlikely that one dose will harm your baby

, but taking ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) is generally not recommended when you’re pregnant, especially during the third trimester.

What pain reliever is OK during pregnancy?

Most pregnant women can take

acetaminophen

if their doctor gives them the thumbs-up. It’s the most common pain reliever that doctors allow pregnant women to take. Some studies have found that about two-thirds of pregnant women in the U.S. take acetaminophen sometime during their nine-month stretch.

Is ibuprofen safe in second trimester?

Ibuprofen use during the second and third trimester might

even increase your baby’s risk of developing asthma

, according to one large 2013 cohort study . Some research warns that NSAIDs like ibuprofen and/or opioids during pregnancy can increase the risk of other issues like: cleft palate. cleft lip.

Can you take ibuprofen in pregnancy?


Ibuprofen isn’t normally recommended in pregnancy

– especially if you’re 30 or more weeks – unless it’s prescribed by a doctor. This is because there might be a link between taking ibuprofen in pregnancy and some birth defects, in particular damage to the baby’s heart and blood vessels.

Can you take ibuprofen while pregnant second trimester?

Ibuprofen use during the second and third trimester might

even increase your baby’s risk of developing asthma

, according to one large 2013 cohort study . Some research warns that NSAIDs like ibuprofen and/or opioids during pregnancy can increase the risk of other issues like: cleft palate. cleft lip.

Can I take extra-strength Tylenol while pregnant?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

is generally safe to use during pregnancy

, although you should consult your doctor first. You can take as much as two extra-strength tablets, 500 milligrams each, every four hours, up to four times a day. Maximum consumption per day should be limited to 4,000 mg or less.

What meds are OK to take while pregnant?

  • Safe to take: Regular and extra-strength Tylenol (acetaminophen)
  • Safe to take: Metamucil, Colace, Citracel, Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax.
  • Safe to take: Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, Pepcid.
  • Safe to take: Penicillin.
  • Safe to take: Monistat, Gynelotrimin.

What medications are unsafe during pregnancy?

  • Bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol).
  • Phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine, which are decongestants. …
  • Cough and cold medicines that contain guaifenesin. …
  • Pain medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen (such as Advil and Motrin) and naproxen (such as Aleve).

Is it OK to take 1 ibuprofen every day?

Linder says the current recommendations for ibuprofen are to “

limit daily use to no more than 30 days

,” with a daily maximum of 3,200 milligrams per day. If you go past this limit, the negative effects will “begin to outweigh the desired benefits of decreased discomfort and pain,” he warns.

Can Tylenol cause miscarriage?

Does taking acetaminophen increase the chance for miscarriage?

Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy

. Based on available studies, taking acetaminophen at the recommended doses is unlikely to increase the chance for miscarriage.

Can I take Tylenol while pregnant for headache?

Most pregnant women can safely take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to

treat occasional headaches

. Your health care provider might recommend other medications as well. Make sure you have the OK from your health care provider before taking any medication, including herbal treatments.

How much ibuprofen is safe long term?

To avoid the potential short- or long-term effects of taking too much ibuprofen, do not take more than your recommended dose. The

absolute maximum daily dose for adults is 3200 mg

. Do not take more than 800 mg in a single dose. Only use the smallest dose needed to alleviate your swelling, pain, or fever.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.