Pregnancy is an exciting, yet challenging time for many women and their families. It is important for pregnant women to make informed decisions about their health and the safety of their unborn baby. One of the questions that often comes up is whether or not pregnant women can take Aleve (naproxen) safely. Aleve is an over-the-counter pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication, which is a popular choice for treating mild to moderate aches and pains. It is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of taking this medication during pregnancy. In this blog post, we will explore the safety of taking Aleve during pregnancy and provide guidance to help women make the best decision for their situation.
But more study is required to demonstrate that NSAIDs are to blame for these issues. Your doctor might advise you to take acetaminophen instead, despite the lack of evidence linking the two.
Additionally, studies have examined the link between NSAIDs and birth defects. According to some studies, taking NSAIDS early in pregnancy may slightly increase the likelihood that your unborn child will have a heart or digestive system issue.
According to some studies, using opioids may increase your chance of having a baby with specific birth defects, like a heart condition. Additionally, they may increase your risk of preterm labor, premature birth, or even stillbirth.
When youâre pregnant, youâre not immune to aches and pains. In fact, hormone changes and your expanding belly may cause some fresh twinges to appear.
According to some studies, taking acetaminophen every day for an extended period of time (28 days or more) may increase your baby’s risk of mild developmental delays or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Can taking naproxen in pregnancy cause miscarriage?
It is unknown if taking naproxen in the first trimester of pregnancy will increase the risk of miscarriage. One study found a potential link between naproxen use and miscarriage, while the other did not, of the two that examined miscarriage in women taking naproxen. Additionally, some studies have revealed that pregnant women who use any NSAID are more likely to miscarry than those who do not.
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.
Miscarriage is frequent and can happen at any stage of pregnancy for a variety of reasons. According to some studies, taking naproxen may increase the likelihood of miscarriage. It can be difficult to determine whether a medication, a medical condition, or other factors contributed to a miscarriage because there are numerous possible causes.
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/.
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.
FAQ
What pain relievers can I take while pregnant?
Is Advil or Aleve safe during pregnancy?
Rexrode had warned patients against using NSAID drugs, such as Advil and Aleve, and suggested taking acetaminophen instead.