When should NSAIDs be avoided during pregnancy?
Related Information
- FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA recommends avoiding use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later because they can result in low amniotic fluid.
- FDA Drug Safety Podcast: FDA recommends avoiding use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later because they can result in low amniotic fluid.
What category is NSAIDs in pregnancy?
Use of OTC Pain Medications in Pregnancy

Drug name | FDA pregnancy risk classification by trimester (1st/2nd/3rd) | Drug class |
---|---|---|
Aspirin | D/D/D | Salicylate analgesic/antipyretic |
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) | B/B/D | NSAID analgesic |
Ketoprofen (Orudis) | B/B/D | NSAID analgesic |
Naproxen (Aleve) | B/B/D | NSAID analgesic |
Why is ibuprofen not used in pregnancy?
Ibuprofen is not usually recommended in pregnancy, unless it’s prescribed by a doctor, especially if you’re more than 30 weeks pregnant. This is because ibuprofen can affect your baby’s circulation and kidneys. There may also be a link between taking ibuprofen in early pregnancy and miscarriage.
Are NSAIDs safe in third trimester?
NSAIDs are contraindicated in the third trimester, because they promote premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, leading to fetal pulmonary hypertension.

Why should NSAIDs be avoided in third trimester?
Is ibuprofen 400 mg safe during pregnancy?
The bottom line. Ibuprofen is not a first-choice pain reliever during pregnancy. It’s not recommended after the 20th week of pregnancy because it may harm your baby’s kidneys, lungs, and heart.
Is diclofenac safe in pregnancy?
If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant while taking diclofenac and misoprostol, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately. Diclofenac and misoprostol may cause miscarriage (pregnancy loss), serious bleeding, or premature birth (baby is born too early) if taken during pregnancy.
In which trimester is NSAIDs are contraindicated?
What is the safest painkiller during pregnancy?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the safest over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to consider during pregnancy.
Is diclofenac safe during pregnancy?
Use of diclofenac during pregnancy is not advised unless prescribed by a doctor, especially if you are 30 or more weeks pregnant. Paracetamol is usually recommended to control pain or fever during pregnancy.
What painkiller can I take while pregnant?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the preferred OTC pain reliever to use during pregnancy. It’s considered safe and effective for pain relief in all trimesters.
Which painkiller is safe for 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.
Which painkiller is safe 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.