Can I drink Nurofen during pregnancy? This is a common question. We will understand it in more detail.
"Nurofen" refers to anti-inflammatory drugs with analgesic effects. It is often prescribed for children with toothache, as well as an antipyretic. Women use it for painful menstruation and headaches. It is also effective at the first sign of flu. Often, "Nurofen" during pregnancy is also used. However, such an uncontrolled intake can harm the health of the unborn child and provoke irreversible changes in its development.
Expediency of use
The question of whether it is possible to take Nurofen during pregnancy arises at the moment when a woman begins to have a headache or suddenly has a toothache, migraine has started, or arthritis has worsened. You can not tolerate or ignore such conditions during pregnancy, as any woman's discomfort affects the baby. It is proved that children in the womb are able to empathize with the mother when she is ill. Also, a child may begin hypoxia, which dramatically increases the risk of premature birth. This condition occurs when an inflammatory process begins in the body of a woman. All of these reasons make it possible to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs once.
What is indicated in the instructions?
The instruction contains information that it is undesirable to take "Nurofen" during pregnancy. In the 1st trimester especially. However, in exceptional cases, short-term treatment with the drug is permissible. The fact is that with prolonged use of ibuprofen (the active substance of the drug), the development of pathologies of the mental and physical development of the child is possible. Therefore, the question of taking "Nurofen" during pregnancy should be decided by a specialist, taking into account what poses a great threat - a drug for the fetus or lack of treatment for a woman.
It should be noted that the active substance ibuprofen is presented in the pharmacy as an independent drug, and according to its instructions it is strictly forbidden to use it during pregnancy.
Reception during pregnancy
Despite its high effectiveness, Nurofen is a controversial drug that is acceptable during pregnancy. In contradiction, its speed in relation to the inflammatory process and the analgesic effect on the one hand and the potential risk of harming the health of the child and the development of side effects in women on the other. The main danger is "Nurofen" at the beginning and at the end of pregnancy, therefore, in these periods, preference is given to other drugs.
Is it possible to use Nurofen for children during pregnancy?
1 trimester
In the first trimester of pregnancy, taking the drug is completely excluded. Any non-steroidal drugs that have an anti-inflammatory effect can have a depressing effect on the synthesis of prostaglandins. A similar effect can affect the course of pregnancy and the intrauterine development of the child. “Nurofen” during pregnancy in the first trimester is capable, according to studies, to provoke involuntary abortion, as well as heart disease and gastroschisis in a child. In this case, the highest risk of such pathologies with increasing dosage and duration of administration.
special instructions
It should be borne in mind that frequent administration of the drug immediately before pregnancy also increases the risk of developing congenital pathologies. Of particular danger is the drug for the male fetus, since the risk of giving birth to a child with pathologies of the reproductive organs in a severe form increases. These points should be considered when planning a pregnancy. Immediately before conception, ibuprofen-based drugs can be replaced with similar paracetamol drugs.
And, say, "Nurofen" during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester can be taken?
2 trimester
In the second trimester, it is allowed to take medication, but its negative impact on intrauterine development is not excluded. The drug does not provoke a miscarriage, since the placenta works in full force, however, ibuprofen is able to penetrate the fetus and affect the work of the internal organs of the child. If pregnancy is difficult and the fetus lags behind in development, it is better to choose a safer anti-inflammatory drug or consult a homeopath.
3 trimester
In the 3rd trimester, Nurofen is also prohibited during pregnancy. This is due to the effect of ibuprofen on uterine contractions. The drug can not only provoke early delivery, but also cause fetal overload.
Complications for the fetus
Among other things, Nurofen in the third trimester can cause a number of complications that are dangerous to the health of both women and children. For example, complications for the fetus can be:
- Cardiopulmonary toxicity. This condition is caused by early blockage of the arterial duct and pulmonary hypertension.
- Pathologies in the work of the kidneys, reaching failure. Similar problems are accompanied by oligohydramnios.
Complications for a woman
For a woman, the following complications are characteristic against the background of taking even the children's Nurofen during pregnancy:
- Increased bleeding after childbirth.
- The inability of the uterus to contract, which prolongs the process of childbirth due to weak labor.
Thus, Nurofen during pregnancy cannot be called a harmless drug. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor before taking any medications, who will assess the potential risks and may be able to choose a more gentle option.
We examined whether Nurofen can be used during pregnancy.
Release forms and dosage
Nurofen is available in several forms. The choice depends on what reason it is assigned. If we are talking about joint pain, an ointment for external use is used. For toothache or headache, choose syrup or tablets.
Ointment is indicated for various types of arthritis, osteochondrosis, injuries, radiculitis, bruises, neuralgia, myalgia, osteoporosis, etc. Apply the ointment only after reaching 12 years. The ointment is applied up to four times a day with a break of at least 4 hours. The drug is rubbed into the skin until completely absorbed. Course duration no more than two weeks. During pregnancy, it is this form of the drug that is the safest. In recommended amounts, the gel cannot affect the development of the fetus.
As a suspension, ibuprofen is available in two flavors - strawberry and orange. It is intended for children, however, and during pregnancy can be prescribed as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. The dosage is selected taking into account the weight.
Most often, "Nurofen" is used for toothache, otitis media and as an antipyretic for infectious diseases. For pregnant women, the maximum daily dosage is 30 mg per kilogram of weight. If the woman's weight is more than 40 kg, then she can take 15 ml of syrup 3 times a day with a break of at least 6 hours.
Nurofen is also available in the form of suppositories for rectal administration. The dosage of ibuprofen in them is minimal, so they do not always help in adulthood. However, during pregnancy, these suppositories can relieve a small pain syndrome. It is permissible to use up to 4 candles with a break of 5 hours.
If there is a centralized effect on the musculoskeletal system or in case of intense toothache, the tablet form of Nurofen is recommended for short-term use. Pregnant women are prescribed the minimum dosage, and the course of admission should not exceed 5 days.
The dosage of the drug is calculated, as in the case of a suspension, taking into account body weight. Do not exceed the dosage and take more than 6 tablets per day. This can lead to serious consequences not only for the fetus, but also for the pregnant woman, as the risk of intoxication, diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding, etc. increases.
Thus, it is impossible to take Nurofen uncontrolledly during pregnancy in any case. It is necessary to consult with your doctor so as not to harm the unborn baby.