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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Have they recently changed the advice on ibruprofen in pregnancy?

19 replies

heylottie · 04/09/2013 17:25

When I had dd in 2009 I had raging periformis syndrome. It was hideous. I ended up having painkilling injections into my arse, and was on morphine for a while.

All along I thought 'hmmm, if only I could take some ibruprofen for a few days, I bet that would work.' But all medical advice, in person and online, said it was a no no. Morphine yes. Nurofen, no.

Now I am 12 weeks pg with second child and I feel the familiar twinge of achy arse. I went on the NHS website and it says that it is 'ok' (well, not to have a nurofen binge but occasionally) in the second trimester.

Was I misled 4 years ago - could I have taken it? Or have the guidelines been changed recently?

The knowledge that, if the pain gets really bad, I can have an anti-inflam would really put my mind at rest...

OP posts:

Fakebook · 04/09/2013 17:51

I think it's still not recommended during the first trimester.

workingtitle · 04/09/2013 18:01

Looks like they're saying it's ok in second trimester but not the first or third still. I have been refused diclofenac (another NSAID) recently in my 3rd tri for a back problem. Sadly the NHS Site doesn't reference any new evidence... I would personally exercise some caution and speak with a midwife or GP first?

CrispyFB · 04/09/2013 19:29

Yes, it's okay in the second trimester (although probably in limited amounts)

The issue in the third trimester is to do with reducing the amount of fluid the baby produces.. there may be other risks too.

I suffer from SPD so I could have done with some too. What you have sounds awful though!

RobotHamster · 04/09/2013 19:34

I've got this atm. Have you had any treatment?

TobyLerone · 04/09/2013 22:06

I've seriously hurt my foot and went to A&E to have it looked at today. The nurse practitioner said that what I really need is ibuprofen but that I can't take it. I'm 22 weeks.

Original poster

heylottie · 04/09/2013 22:16

There does seem to be a mixed message about it. In 2009 I remember being very frustrated because (I think) in America it always HAS been allowed in the second trimester, and I was just desperate for someone to say it was ok just to have a couple, I was so convinced it would work.

Perhaps the UK advice has caught up, but maybe the NHS practitioners haven't all heard about it yet?

It was a hideous pregnancy last time around and the thought of it still brings tears to my eyes. I tried everything, from osteo to physio, to crutches, to seats, to exercise, to morphine. Nothing made it better - until I had dd, popped a few nurofen, and then had a steroid injection into my arse.

I also gave myself third degree burns on my bum because the only thing that gave it relief was sitting on a scorching hot water bottle.

I think I will ask a doctor, but the NHS website is giving me confidence that, yes, a few in extreme circs in the 2nd trimester will be ok...

OP posts:

SomethingOnce · 04/09/2013 22:56

Have you tried the tennis ball massage-y technique?

Wincher · 04/09/2013 23:18

Yes, I saw that on the nhs website, but I remember it also being the case during my last pregnancy in 2010. Then I had terrible toothache during the second trimester and did take ibuprofen for a day or so before the antibiotics kicked in just to be able to sleep or eat. Again during this pregnancy I had tonsillitis at about 17 weeks and did take a couple of doses as I figured what I read said it wouldn't do any harm as a one off and I couldn't eat, drink, swallow or sleep without it. Paracetamol works fine on some sorts of pain but not others!

RobotHamster · 04/09/2013 23:30

What exercises did physio give you? Mine actually seem to be helping - just simple stretches and strengthening exercises, but id be happy to send you the info if it might help?

Original poster

heylottie · 05/09/2013 07:31

robothamster that would be great, thank you. I saw two physios, both of whom (I suspected) thought I was making a bit of a fuss...

OP posts:

Original poster

heylottie · 05/09/2013 07:32

wincher thats the thing, isnt it? Paracetamol is ok for some things, but sometimes only ibruprofen will do. Wonder pill that it is...

OP posts:

Foxeym · 05/09/2013 08:36

I had a trapped nerve at 26 weeks and my GP said I must not take any sort of anti inflammatory, paracetamol only!!

Hawkmoth · 05/09/2013 08:38

Can you get a prescription for co codamol? I took it for SPD and migraines.

LadyMedea · 05/09/2013 09:44

Looking at the medical research....(me loves research)

Up to 20 weeks taking NSAIDs probably increases the risk of miscarriage by 2.5 times.

From 30 weeks can cause a range of problems in baby including pulmonary hypertension.

Both of these effects were seen with very short usage.

So looks like there is a small window of ok to take - but still minimal dose, minimal duration. Looks like topical anti inflammatories might be a better bet as they mainly work locally

The kinda exception is aspirin which I take on a low dose for high blood pressure, just have to stop at 36 weeks.

RobotHamster · 05/09/2013 10:06

PM me your email address and I'll send it over today. My physio was brilliant - said I need to stretch the piriformis and strengthen the other muscles to help support the pelvis more.

RobotHamster · 05/09/2013 10:07

Ah yes, can you take codeine? That's safer in pregnancy

workingtitle · 05/09/2013 10:49

Codeine is prescription only in pregnancy, and the pharmacist wouldn't give me topical nsaids - I've resorted to deep heat and acupuncture for my back. I hope you manage to get something, heylottie, but I would speak with your GP or ask for a referral to the pain clinic/physio.

CrispyFB · 05/09/2013 12:45

Sometimes if you ask nicely you can get paracetamol with codeine over the counter from the pharmacy, but it's not a high level of codeine. It's better than just paracetamol though.

RobotHamster · 05/09/2013 13:46

Lottie - check yer inbox :)

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