Motrin and Pregnancy

Based on the results of animal studies that looked at Motrin and pregnancy, Motrin is generally not recommended during pregnancy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies Motrin as a pregnancy Category C medicine, which means it may be prescribed if a healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.

 

Is Motrin Safe During Pregnancy?

Most healthcare providers do not recommend taking Motrin® (ibuprofen) during pregnancy because it can possibly cause problems in the unborn child or complicate labor and delivery. Taking Motrin at all during the third trimester should be avoided.
 
Motrin is considered a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that Motrin has not been studied in pregnant women. However, when studied in pregnant animals, problems were seen with the unborn fetus. This suggests that Motrin could potentially cause harm to your unborn child. It is important to note, however, that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do.
 

Motrin and Pregnancy Category C

The FDA uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but show fetal side effects in animal studies. A pregnancy Category C medicine may still be given to pregnant women if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.
 
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Motrin, let your healthcare provider know. Your healthcare provider will consider both the benefits and risks of Motrin during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;