Can I drink Nurofen during pregnancy? This is a common question. Let's look into it in more detail.
"Nurofen" refers to anti-inflammatory drugs with analgesic effect. It is quite often prescribed for children with toothache, and also as an antipyretic. Women use it for painful menstruation and headaches. It is also effective at the first signs of the flu. Often "Nurofen" during pregnancy is also used. However, such an uncontrolled reception can harm the he alth of the unborn child and provoke irreversible changes in its development.
Appropriateness of use
The question of whether Nurofen can be taken during pregnancy arises at the moment when a woman starts having a headache or suddenly has a toothache, a migraine breaks out or arthritis worsens. It is impossible to tolerate or ignore such conditions during pregnancy, since any discomfort of a woman affects the child. It has been proven that children in the womb are able to empathize with their mother,when she's sick. Also, the child may begin hypoxia, which dramatically increases the risk of premature birth. This condition occurs when an inflammatory process begins in a woman's body. All these reasons make it possible to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs once a day.
What does the instructions say?
The instruction contains information that it is undesirable to take Nurofen during pregnancy. Especially in the 1st trimester. However, in exceptional cases, short-term treatment with the drug is acceptable. 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 issue of taking Nurofen during pregnancy should be decided by a specialist, taking into account what poses a greater threat - the drug for the fetus or the lack of treatment for the woman.
It should be noted that the active ingredient ibuprofen is presented in a pharmacy as an independent drug, and according to its instructions, it is strictly forbidden to use it during pregnancy.
Using during pregnancy
Despite its high efficiency, Nurofen is one of the controversial drugs that are acceptable during pregnancy. Its speed in relation to the inflammatory process and analgesic effect, on the one hand, and the potential risk of harm to the he alth of the child and the development of side effects in a woman, on the other hand, come into conflict. The main danger is "Nurofen" at the beginning and at the endpregnancy, so other drugs are preferred during these periods.
Can Nurofen for children be used during pregnancy?
1st trimester
In the first trimester of pregnancy, the drug is completely excluded. Any non-steroidal drugs with 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 1st trimester is capable, according to studies, to provoke an involuntary abortion, as well as heart disease and gastroschisis in a child. At the same time, the risk of such pathologies is highest with an increase in dosage and duration of administration.
Special Instructions
It should be borne in mind that frequent use of the drug immediately before pregnancy also increases the risk of congenital pathologies. Of particular danger is the drug for the male fetus, as the risk of having a child with pathologies of the organs of the reproductive system in severe form increases. These points should be considered when planning pregnancy. Immediately before conception, you can replace drugs based on ibuprofen with similar paracetamol drugs.
And, for example, "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 impacton intrauterine development is not excluded. The drug will no longer provoke a miscarriage, since the placenta is working at full strength, however, ibuprofen is able to penetrate the fetus and affect the functioning of the internal organs of the child. If the pregnancy is difficult and the fetus lags behind in development, it is better to choose a safer anti-inflammatory drug or contact a homeopath.
3 trimester
In the 3rd trimester, Nurofen during pregnancy is also prohibited. This is due to the effect of ibuprofen on uterine contractions. The drug can not only provoke early delivery, but also cause the fetus to overbear.
Fetal Complications
Among other things, "Nurofen" in the third trimester can cause a number of complications that are dangerous to the he alth of both women and children. For example, complications for the fetus can be:
- Cardiopulmonary toxicity. This condition is due to early occlusion of the arterial duct and pulmonary hypertension.
- Pathologies in the work of the kidneys, reaching insufficiency. Such problems are accompanied by oligohydramnios.
Complications for women
The following complications are typical for a woman while taking even 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 activity.
Thus, Nurofen during pregnancycan not be called a harmless drug. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor before taking any medications, who will assess the potential risks and possibly be able to choose a more gentle option.
We examined whether Nurofen can be used during pregnancy.
Forms of release and dosage
Nurofen comes in several forms. The choice depends on the occasion for which it is appointed. If we are talking about joint pain, an ointment is used for external use. For toothache or headache, choose syrup or tablets.
The ointment is indicated for various types of arthritis, osteochondrosis, injuries, radiculitis, bruises, neuralgia, myalgia, osteoporosis, etc. You can 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. The duration of the course is no more than two weeks. During pregnancy, this form of the drug is the safest. In the recommended amounts, the gel cannot affect the development of the fetus.
Ibuprofen is available as a suspension in two flavors - strawberry and orange. It is intended for children, however, during pregnancy it can be prescribed as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Dosage is based on weight.
Most often "Nurofen" is used for toothache, otitis media and as an antipyretic for an infectious disease. For pregnant women, the maximum daily dosage is 30 mg per kilogram of body weight. If a woman's weight is more than 40 kg, then she can take 15 mlsyrup 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 slight pain syndrome. It is permissible to use up to 4 candles with a break of 5 hours.
In the event that there is a centralized effect on the musculoskeletal system or with intense toothache, the Nurofen tablet form 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, in no case should you take Nurofen uncontrollably during pregnancy. It is necessary to consult with your doctor so as not to harm the unborn child.
