Is it safe to take ibuprofen or naproxen during pregnancy?
Ibuprofen and naproxen are over-the-counter (OTC) medications used for fever, pain, and inflammation. If you are pregnant, you should not take ibuprofen or naproxen unless recommended by your ob-gyn. For example, they may be recommended for migraines that don’t get better with acetaminophen, but only in the second trimester and only for 48 hours or less at a time. It’s not clear if ibuprofen and naproxen are safe for a fetus during the first trimester. Taking them during the third trimester may lead to birth defects.
The best pain reliever for migraines, other headaches, and other causes of pain during pregnancy is acetaminophen. Acetaminophen can also be used safely for fever during pregnancy.
You may have heard claims about acetaminophen being linked to autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This has not been proven by science. The highest-quality research studies show there is no evidence that acetaminophen causes autism. You can read more about this in Acetaminophen and Pregnancy.
Talk with your ob-gyn before taking any OTC medication for pain or fever during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss whether and when to take an OTC medication for your symptoms. Also, let your ob-gyn know if your pain continues or gets worse while taking OTC medication.
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GoPublished: September 2025
Last reviewed: September 2025
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