Can You Take Ibuprofen While Pregnant?
It's generally best to avoid ibuprofen in pregnancy — especially from 20 weeks on. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the preferred alternative; check with your provider.
The full answer
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), and these are generally avoided in pregnancy. The FDA advises against NSAIDs from about 20 weeks because they can reduce the baby's amniotic fluid and affect their developing kidneys, and in the third trimester they can cause a blood vessel in the baby's heart (the ductus arteriosus) to narrow too early. Some guidance also advises caution earlier in pregnancy. For pain or fever, acetaminophen (Tylenol/paracetamol) is the recommended alternative. If you've been prescribed low-dose aspirin or an NSAID for a specific medical reason, that's a different, provider-supervised situation — follow their advice. This is general information; your provider or pharmacist can advise on your circumstances.
Safer alternatives
- Use acetaminophen (Tylenol/paracetamol) for pain or fever instead
- Avoid ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs — especially from 20 weeks
- If a doctor has prescribed an NSAID or aspirin for you, follow their guidance
When to avoid: Avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs in pregnancy (particularly from 20 weeks) unless your provider specifically prescribes one.
Ibuprofen by trimester
| Stage | What changes |
|---|---|
| First trimester | Acetaminophen is the preferred option for pain and fever from the outset, and guidance generally advises steering clear of NSAIDs. A dose or two taken before you knew you were pregnant is a very common situation and not usually treated as a cause for alarm — mention it at your next appointment rather than worrying alone. |
| Second trimester | This is where the clearest line falls. The FDA advises against NSAIDs from about 20 weeks, because they can reduce the baby's amniotic fluid and affect developing kidneys. That's a specific week marker, not a vague caution, and it applies to ibuprofen under any brand name. |
| Third trimester | Avoided. On top of the amniotic-fluid concern, NSAIDs in late pregnancy can cause the ductus arteriosus — a blood vessel in the baby's heart — to narrow before birth. If an NSAID is ever used this late it's under direct specialist supervision for a specific reason. |
Common questions about ibuprofen in pregnancy
I took ibuprofen before I knew I was pregnant — should I worry?
This happens often, and occasional early use is not generally regarded as a reason to expect harm — the strongest warnings attach to the second half of pregnancy. Switch to acetaminophen going forward and tell your provider what and when you took, so they have the full picture. Being straightforward about it is more useful than trying to work out the risk yourself.
Is Advil different from ibuprofen?
No — Advil is a brand name for ibuprofen, as are several other products, and Motrin is another. The same guidance applies to all of them. This trips people up regularly, so it's worth reading the active-ingredient line rather than recognising the box.
What about ibuprofen gel or cream on a sore joint?
Gels and sprays are less likely to cause side effects than tablets, but the NHS advice to avoid ibuprofen in pregnancy unless a doctor or pharmacist says otherwise covers them too. Joint and back pain in pregnancy is common, and there are non-drug options worth trying first, so ask a pharmacist or your provider before using one.
Can I take Advil while pregnant?
Advil is a brand name for ibuprofen, like Motrin in the US and Nurofen in the UK, so the same advice applies. It's best to avoid it in pregnancy unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to take it, especially from 20 weeks. The FDA says NSAIDs like ibuprofen can cause rare but serious kidney problems in the baby from about 20 weeks, which can lead to low amniotic fluid. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually the pain reliever to use instead. Check with your provider.
I have a headache and can't take ibuprofen. What can I take?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, called paracetamol in the UK) is the usual first choice in pregnancy. Take it for the shortest time you need it, and ask your pharmacist or provider how much to take. Drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough sleep and resting can also help. A headache can sometimes be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Call your provider or maternity unit right away if you have a severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain below your ribs, vomiting, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet.
Your provider or pharmacist should confirm whether ibuprofen suits you, since they can check your history and other medicines. The general rules for medicines in pregnancy are in our pregnancy safety guide, and you can track your pregnancy with the How Far Along Am I? calculator and the week-by-week guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you take ibuprofen while pregnant?
- It's generally best to avoid ibuprofen in pregnancy — especially from 20 weeks on. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the preferred alternative; check with your provider. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), and these are generally avoided in pregnancy. The FDA advises against NSAIDs from about 20 weeks because they can reduce the baby's amniotic fluid and affect their developing kidneys, and in the third trimester they can cause a blood vessel in the baby's heart (the ductus arteriosus) to narrow too early. Some guidance also advises caution earlier in pregnancy. For pain or fever, acetaminophen (Tylenol/paracetamol) is the recommended alternative. If you've been prescribed low-dose aspirin or an NSAID for a specific medical reason, that's a different, provider-supervised situation — follow their advice. This is general information; your provider or pharmacist can advise on your circumstances.
- Why is ibuprofen not recommended in pregnancy?
- Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), and these are generally avoided in pregnancy. The FDA advises against NSAIDs from about 20 weeks because they can reduce the baby's amniotic fluid and affect their developing kidneys, and in the third trimester they can cause a blood vessel in the baby's heart (the ductus arteriosus) to narrow too early. Some guidance also advises caution earlier in pregnancy. For pain or fever, acetaminophen (Tylenol/paracetamol) is the recommended alternative. If you've been prescribed low-dose aspirin or an NSAID for a specific medical reason, that's a different, provider-supervised situation — follow their advice. This is general information; your provider or pharmacist can advise on your circumstances.
- When should I avoid ibuprofen during pregnancy?
- Avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs in pregnancy (particularly from 20 weeks) unless your provider specifically prescribes one.
Sources
This answer was checked against the following public guidance. Advice can differ between countries; your midwife, doctor or pharmacist can apply it to you.