The health and well-being of an expecting mother and her unborn child is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, many women inadvertently take medications while pregnant, unaware of potential negative side effects. Naproxen is one such medication that must be taken with extreme caution. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is commonly used to treat pain and inflammation. As such, it is important to be aware of any risks associated with taking naproxen during pregnancy, as well as any alternative options for managing pain. This blog post aims to provide an overview of the potential risks of naproxen consumption during pregnancy and to offer some alternative treatments for managing pain.
It is unknown if naproxen could affect male fertility or raise the risk of birth defects above the background risk based on the studies examined. In general, fathers’ or sperm donors’ exposures are unlikely to raise pregnancy risks. Please visit the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.com for more details. org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.
OTIS/MotherToBaby encourages inclusive and person-centered language. Although mothers are still mentioned in our name, we are updating our resources to use more inclusive language. When the terms “mother” or “maternal” are used, they refer to a pregnant person. When the terms “father” or “paternal” are used, it refers to a sperm donor.
Small amounts of naproxen are excreted in breast milk, and it remains there for a longer period of time than other NSAIDs. According to the information available, it is unlikely that using naproxen would harm a nursing infant. There is one instance where a baby who consumed naproxen and another medication through breastmilk experienced blood-related health issues. It is unknown whether the reported health issues were brought on by the naproxen, another drug, or other elements. Contact the child’s healthcare provider if you think the infant is experiencing any symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, difficulty with feeding, or difficulty gaining weight. Be sure to discuss all of your breastfeeding concerns with your healthcare provider.
Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect This is called the background risk. It is unknown if naproxen raises the risk of birth defects above the background risk, according to the studies examined. Results from a few significant studies on NSAIDs, such as naproxen, did not indicate a higher risk of birth defects. A study that examined 23 pregnancies with naproxen exposure found no increased risk of birth defects.
Use of naproxen is not advised after week 20 of pregnancy. According to some reports, taking NSAIDs during the second half of pregnancy may have an impact on the kidney development of the fetus as well as the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding it. Other pregnancy complications could occur, such as poor lung development and joint contractures (joints become stiff or immobile), if there is insufficient amniotic fluid (referred to as oligohydramnios). Additionally, oligohydramnios can make an early delivery through c-section or labor induction more necessary. In some cases, oligohydramnios could cause fetal demise.
In this blog post, we go over the distinctions between generic and brand medications, how generic drugs are advertised, and whether or not generic drugs have an equivalent level of efficacy to brand-name drugs.
The drug’s generic name is ibuprofen, but you might have seen branded versions of it under the names Nurofen, Brufen, and Calprofen. Ibuprofen is also available as a skin-applied gel for the treatment of sprains and strains. Ibuprofen safety for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is covered in this blog.
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FAQ
Is naproxen safe in early pregnancy?
How soon into pregnancy Do I have to stop naproxen?
Can naproxen cause birth defects?
What pregnancy category is naproxen?
| Drug name | FDA pregnancy risk classification by trimester (1st/2nd/3rd) | Drug class |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin | D/D/D | Salicylate analgesic/antipyretic |
| Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) | B/B/D | NSAID analgesic |
| Ketoprofen (Orudis) | B/B/D | NSAID analgesic |
| Naproxen (Aleve) | B/B/D | NSAID analgesic |