Ibuprofen in pregnancy-can it be used?

What is ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. It is metabolized in the liver, while it is excreted from the body with urine. Its mechanism of action, in a nutshell, is to inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase. This enzyme is responsible for the production of prostaglandins, which are proteins involved in inflammation. One of the functions of prostaglandins is to increase the permeability of blood vessels at the site of inflammation. This allows white blood cells to move more easily to where they are currently needed to combat a potential threat. Ibuprofen, by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, prevents the formation of inflammation and thus the occurrence of symptoms characteristic of it, such as fever, weakness or pain. Ibuprofen is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or in active gastric ulcer disease.

Ibuprofen during pregnancy-is it allowed?

In studies performed on animals, ibuprofen has not been shown to adversely affect the developing fetus. However, according to PTGiP recommendations, the drug should not be used in women in the first trimester of pregnancy, as it may increase the risk of miscarriage at this early stage of pregnancy. Due to the lack of relevant studies in humans, it is recommended that in II. trimester use it only when absolutely necessary. For pain, paracetamol-containing preparations (such as Apap), which are completely safe during pregnancy, are a much better choice. It is also important to remember that popular and widely available over-the-counter cold or flu medications contain, among other things. pseudoephedrine, which pregnant women should avoid. It is always better to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking medicine during pregnancy, and when you have a cold, reach for home remedies first to relieve symptoms.

See also:
What drugs are safe during pregnancy?

Ibuprofen in 3. trimester

The period during pregnancy when the use of ibuprofen by a mother-to-be can have serious consequences is the last trimester. This is because taking ibuprofen can lead to premature closure of the Botall’s duct in the baby’s heart. This is due to the fact that the prostaglandins mentioned earlier play a key role in maintaining patency of the arterial duct. As a result of ibuprofen’s inhibition of their synthesis, and thus with insufficient amounts, the Botall’s duct can shrink in diameter. In such a situation, the fetal vascular and cardiac systems cease to function properly, and blood cannot bypass the pulmonary circulation. This leads to a serious complication, which is pulmonary hypertension.

Interestingly, ibuprofen is used by doctors to treat persistent ductus arteriosus, when the ductus arteriosus did not close for some reason after delivery. Such action gives the child a real chance to avoid surgery.

Complications of ibuprofen in pregnancy

In addition to the negative effects of ibuprofen on the child in III. trimester of pregnancy, there are reports of possible complications in the earlier weeks of pregnancy. In the first trimester, ibuprofen increases the risk of bleeding. In addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce placental flow, impair fetal renal function and reduce amniotic fluid production. They can also lead to prolonged labor. For this reason, it should be used only when necessary and with the approval of the attending physician.