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Is it safe? · Pregnancy Smart

Is ibuprofen safe while trying to conceive?

Assigned clinical reviewerMichael Yuzefovich· MD, FACOGDraft · pending clinical reviewUpdated

What does the evidence say about ibuprofen while trying to conceive?

  1. A few small studies suggest ibuprofen might increase the chance of unruptured follicle syndrome, which could make conception harder, though this remains uncertain. 1
  2. Some research indicates ibuprofen could raise the chance of miscarriage, particularly around the time of conception or with long-term use, although establishing causation is difficult because several factors are in play. 1
  3. FDA recommends avoiding NSAIDs after week 20 of pregnancy unless a healthcare provider specifically recommends them, and using the lowest dose for the shortest time if they are needed. 1
  4. In three published cases of women with inflammatory arthritis, NSAID use was associated with recurrent luteinized unruptured ovarian follicles, and normal ovulation returned after the drug was withdrawn. 2
  5. In an observational natural-cycle IVF study of 111 women, 400 mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours around ovulation showed no difference in mature oocyte rates or implantation rates, and no significant association with embryo quality. 3

What to know about ibuprofen while trying to conceive

  • Two things overlap in this window. Around ovulation, a few small studies suggest ibuprofen might raise the chance of unruptured follicle syndrome, where a follicle luteinizes without releasing an egg. Separately, MotherToBaby notes some research linking use around the time of conception, or over a long period, to a higher chance of miscarriage, while noting causation is hard to establish.
  • Once pregnant, the question shifts from ovulation to fetal exposure, and that is squarely a clinical decision. FDA advises avoiding NSAIDs after week 20 of pregnancy unless a healthcare provider specifically recommends them, and using the lowest dose for the shortest time when they are needed.
  • The strongest cautions land here. NSAIDs late in pregnancy may affect fetal kidneys and lower amniotic fluid, and may cause the ductus arteriosus to close early. Do not manage third trimester pain with over-the-counter NSAIDs on your own initiative.

Frequently asked questions

Can ibuprofen stop you from ovulating?

NSAIDs can interfere with follicle rupture, and case reports describe exactly that pattern with normal ovulation returning once the drug stopped. A natural-cycle IVF study using 400 mg every 8 hours around ovulation found no difference in mature oocytes. Regular use is the version worth discussing.

Is it safe to take ibuprofen in the two week wait?

This is an evidence summary, not a safety clearance, and the answer depends on your history. MotherToBaby notes some research linking use around conception to miscarriage while flagging that causation is unclear. Ask your provider before making it a routine.

What pain reliever can I take while trying to conceive?

That is a decision to make with your clinician rather than in a pharmacy aisle, since it depends on why you are in pain and what else you take. Bring the specific product and how often you use it, so the conversation is about your actual pattern.

How long before trying to conceive should I stop ibuprofen?

There is no established washout period in the sources here, and the reported ovulation effect was reversible on stopping. If you use ibuprofen regularly, for period pain or a chronic condition, that pattern is what to raise with your provider before you start trying.

Related in the library

References

  1. Ibuprofen: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet

    MotherToBaby · https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/ibuprofen-pregnancy/

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.