Ibuprofen gel?

[Firstpregnancy2014]

I have a really sore lower back on one side. I'm not sure what I have done but it could be cause I'm at a desk all day everyday and leaning slightly forward.. Can I use ibuprofen gel while pregnant? I've tried googling it but can't find much info without it saying 'informing doctors' etc.

If not... Anything else I can use ?!
Walking like a cripple!

I'm not sure but my instinct is No. Pregnant women can't take ibuprofen and I imagine there are similar 'active ingredients' - if that is the correct terminology! Also we can't use deep heat gel. However I think those heat packs that you stick to an undergarment are ok.
I have a little microwaveable Teddy that has lavender in, and when heated up and placed on neck/shoulder it was really helpful.
Get well soon :)

My GP prescribed this for me today and stated that it was definitely safe. Spoke to some colleagues and physio, not convinced. Apparently deep heat and deep freeze is safe

I got told no gel by my Gp... Best ask a professional!

Have you tried a heat pad?

I went to the pharmacy tonight cause the pain was so bad.. He said under no circumstances use ibuprofen gel and Nothing with aspirin in.. Told me to take paracetamol! He reccomended a heat pack but said they don't actually sell them! Will pick one up tomorrow after work hopefully!

Hi there,

I'm 18 weeks pregnant and went to my doctor for back problems today- she prescribed me an asprin-based cream, like ibuprofen gel but not ibuprofen. I guess if ibuprofen was OK she would've prescribed me that....
Best see your GP- they'll know what's best for your circumstances.

My GP gave me anti-inflammatory gel (not ibuprofen, a different drug) and said it was safe if used sparingly. I've tried to avoid using it though. A lot of the side effects from anti-inflammatories are more associated with taking orally, so are avoided when used topically. Talk to your GP. I've used just paracetamol, a support belt and hot water bottle to deal with my SPD.
The trouble with most drugs is that they cannot ethically be trialled on pregnant ladies. They know paracetamol is safe as it has been around for a long time and used by pregnant ladies and no risk has been proven. A lot of meds they just don't know, so say to avoid to be safe.

I used Deep Heat once, early on in pregnancy. I've had back pain but have not taken anything. I know it hurts now and you need to use something, but long term some excercises for your back will help, as this probably won't be a one off if you have to sit at work a lot, it'll probably go on hurting. I've been doing Aqua Yoga, Pilates and some pregnancy exercise on my fitness ball, and I rely on a nice warm bath when I've had an achy day at work. I'm kind of manic about keeping my back in bearable shape!

I think the problem with a lot of the other drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin is they can have a thinning effect on the blood which isn't good for pregnancy.

Go to your gp and get a physio referral but in the meantime get a hot water bottle and check your posture at your desk (you should be sat straight not leaning forward).

So the changes I've made as advised by physio seem to be helping alongside the deep freeze and codydramol.

Defo get physio referral or see a chiropractor

No! There is a very slight increase in the risk of heart defects with NSAID use, such as ibuprofen. Can't believe some gps are prescribing it.

No - there is a very slight increase in the risk of heart defects with NSAID use, such as ibuprofen. I am surprised some gps are prescribing it.

www.nhs.uk/medicine-guides/pages/medicineoverview.aspx?condition=pain&medicine=ibuprofen&preparation=ibuprofen+10%25+gel - says not to use in pregnancy

Thanks everyone :) going to make an appointment for over the weekend with gp and untill then try some more natural approaches! I tend to start my day sat nicely and then it just turns into a slump! I hope it improves I feel like such a wimp!!

Hi there. I have long term back condition and I give up all NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Asprin, Voltarol) in pregnancy. They are absolutely not recommended. Even the creams/gels.

There are loads of other therapies you can try. Cold followed by hot packs are good for strains (cold reduces swelling, hot soothes).

Resting sitting with legs up where your lower back is well supported (with cushions if necessary) to take the weight and stress off the painful area. I find sleeping/a night resting like this is the best defence against the strains of a day being heavily pregnant.

A good rub from a willing loved one or DP is really theraputic too .

Make sure you are not carrying loads of stuff in your handbag and try having it accross the body/rucksack on your back rather than a strap on your shoulder if you can help it too - you will be amazed the difference that one makes!

I used a tens machine too with my last pregnancy but actually found I don't need it this time!

Hope some of this helps.

I just asked my consultant about ibuprofen gel today, and she said that it wasn't safe.

My dr told me icould use ibroprufen or co codamol i f the pain was bad enough as I suffer with fibromyalgia hasvent yet but now I'm questioning it

If you don't trust your GP, please ring your MW 'helpline'. Never start or stop taking anything based on an internet thread - go 'up a level' from your GP to a pregnancy expert.

I've just seen 'aspirin' somewhere in this thread in there alongside other painkillers as dangerous, all lumped in together.
Whilst I only take paracetamol for pain relief and nothing else without specialist advice, I take aspirin daily for my blood, and its risks are totally different to the risks for ibuprofen. It might seem persnickety pointing out the risks are different when I'm saying don't take it for pain relief, but tied in with talk of 'heart defects' it reminded me of a thread I saw a few weeks ago that worried me...
FWIW, I've seen threads here where women have not been taking aspirin they need to take, because of hearsay, so this is why I am mentioning it. Also I have had assistants refuse to sell me it, when I need it to keep my pregnancy going.

squizia I also take aspirin daily for blood but the level for that is much lower than the dose for pain relief (or is in my case)

Aunt yes, I mentioned it should absolutely not be taken for pain.

But I stick by never taking opinions about meds off an internet forum or posting lists with names of meds: never! Because nowhere has anyone said 75mg, 150mg, 300mg, 600mg ... they just say 'aspirin' and that it's bad.
And it's out there on the internet, and some unqualified idiot at a shop refuses to sell it to someone who needs it... or some women decides not to take it.

On the flipside, it's the same for saying to take things.

I have to take aspirin but only 75mg daily cos of damn factor v lieden! I'm from the school of I will only take it unless I have to I had horrendous headache today and gave in and had 2 paracetamols so it must be bad!

I've been to the doctors today as I've had shoulder pain. He prescribed the ibuprofen gel 5% and said only a tiny amount is absorbed into the blood. An old thread but I thought I'd put my experience on for anyone who is currently interested.

Hi
I am 36 weeks pregnant with really bad sciatica on my right leg. Can I use ibuprofen gel on the back of my thigh? I can hardly walk using a combination of heat, rest and stretches. If any one has any other suggestions please let me know. Thank you x

I’m 29 weeks pregnant and have awful back pain. Obstetrics prescribed me ibuprofen (tablets)and lidocaine patches. They said NSAIDs were very dangerous in 1st trimester and must be stopped around 34-36 weeks due to the risk of the hole in the heart not closing over at birth, so I’m guessing you’re at a stage when sadly it should be avoided. There are some decent exercises which can relieve sciatica. It’s horrible x