Can I Take Ibuprofen When Pregnant?

Ibuprofen is one of the most common over-the-counter painkillers in the UK, but it is not safe to take during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and in pain, it is important to know which alternatives are safe and when to seek help from your GP or midwife.

Quick Answer

Ibuprofen in pregnancy: Ibuprofen should be AVOIDED in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. In the first trimester, it may increase miscarriage risk. Do not take ibuprofen without consulting your GP.

Is Ibuprofen Safe in Pregnancy?

No — ibuprofen is not recommended at any stage of pregnancy, and this applies to all anti-inflammatory medicines in the same family, known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This includes branded versions such as Nurofen, as well as naproxen and aspirin (except low-dose aspirin prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical reason).

The concerns vary by trimester:

First trimester: Some evidence suggests that taking ibuprofen in early pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, though the overall risk remains low. Because of this uncertainty, the guidance from UK health bodies is to avoid it.

Second trimester: Ibuprofen is still not recommended, though it is the trimester with the least data on risk.

Third trimester: The risks are clearest here. Ibuprofen can affect kidney development in the baby, reduce amniotic fluid levels (a condition called oligohydramnios), and interfere with the ductus arteriosus — a blood vessel in the baby's heart that is supposed to close naturally after birth. Taking NSAIDs in the third trimester can cause it to close too early.

Always consult your GP, midwife, or pharmacist before taking ANY medication during pregnancy. This includes over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements.

NHS Guidance

The NHS advises that ibuprofen should be avoided during pregnancy unless specifically recommended by a doctor. This guidance is consistent across all three trimesters, with the risks being most clearly defined in the third trimester.

The NHS-recommended painkiller for use in pregnancy is paracetamol, taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. Paracetamol has been used widely in pregnancy for many years and is considered safe when used as directed, though you should still check with your midwife or GP if you need to take it regularly.

If paracetamol is not controlling your pain adequately, speak to your GP rather than reaching for ibuprofen. They can assess what is causing your pain and recommend an appropriate treatment.

Safe Alternatives for Pain Relief in Pregnancy

If you are in pain during pregnancy, the following approaches may help:

Paracetamol — the standard recommended painkiller in pregnancy. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packet and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Heat or cold packs — a warm (not hot) heat pad can be helpful for back pain and muscle tension. Avoid very hot baths or electric blankets directly on the abdomen.
Gentle exercise — if you are experiencing back pain or pelvic discomfort, gentle movement such as walking or pregnancy yoga can often provide relief.
Physiotherapy — your GP can refer you to a physiotherapist for conditions such as pelvic girdle pain (PGP), which is very common in pregnancy.
Rest and positioning — lying on your side with a pillow between your knees can reduce pelvic and back pain.

If your pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding, fever, or vision changes, seek urgent medical advice. Call 999 or go to A&E if you are concerned.

Frequently Asked Questions

### What if I already took ibuprofen before knowing I was pregnant?

Don't panic. Taking a small amount of ibuprofen before you knew you were pregnant — particularly early in the first trimester — is unlikely to cause harm. Contact your GP or midwife for reassurance and mention it at your booking appointment so it can be noted in your records. Try not to take any more ibuprofen now that you know you are pregnant.

Can I buy ibuprofen over the counter while pregnant?

Ibuprofen is sold without a prescription in UK pharmacies and supermarkets, but being freely available does not mean it is safe in pregnancy. Always tell the pharmacist that you are pregnant before buying any painkiller. They will advise you not to use ibuprofen and can suggest paracetamol or other suitable options instead. Many pharmacy packaging now includes pregnancy warnings to help flag this.

Is aspirin the same as ibuprofen — can I take that instead?

Standard-dose aspirin is also an NSAID and should be avoided during pregnancy for the same reasons as ibuprofen. However, low-dose aspirin (usually 75–150 mg daily) is sometimes prescribed by doctors or midwives to pregnant people at increased risk of pre-eclampsia. This is a specific medical prescription and is very different from taking standard over-the-counter aspirin tablets for pain relief. Do not take aspirin for pain relief in pregnancy without medical advice.

If you are unsure about any painkiller during pregnancy, your midwife or GP can advise on the safest option for your situation.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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