Ibuprofen Prescription - Help

[teenmom2be]

Hi ladies,

I have been experiencing agonising upper back pain for the last 3 weeks or so and today it got unbearable. I had to get an emergency doctors appointment as it has gotten progressively worse and was almost in tears today.

Long story short my doctor prescribed me a ibuprofen anti-inflammatory gel.

I thought this was quite strange and everywhere I have read, including the box, says it is unsafe for pregnant women.

I doubt my GP would prescribe something that I shouldn't use, especially without telling me the consequences. However, I'm slightly worried.

Has anyone had any experiences with this?

I'm 26 weeks.

No experiences, it might be the gel is seen as safe because you are not ingesting it and a lot of things say not suitable for pregnant women because they have not been tested on them and cannot guarantee it is safe - however Drs can still prescribe them. That said, can you ring your GP in the morning and ask for some clarification?

I would ask for a second opinion on ibuprofen . It is really dangerous in pregnancy and even if gel, it does get absorbed and part is absorbed in the blood stream and might get to baby.

I know you're in real pain, maybe you already tried this, but hot water bottles and ice packs make miracles for me. Try seeing an osteopath or physio, they might be able to treat whatever causes your pain.

Hmm I was told by the doc I saw the other day for excruciating pain that ibuprofen gel was absolutely not OK. I'd def call in the morning and make sure x

Thanks ladies. I have heard many people say their own GP said absolutely not that's why I'm slightly nervous.

I've been trying tens machines, swimming every night, warm bath before bed, paracetamol everything and nothing has helped💁🏼‍♀️

I think I'll just have to persevere and avoid the gel, it's definitely not worth it if it can affect baby!

I'v been told it's very much a last resort thing, I assume where the need for the painkiller outweighs the potential risks. I would try not to use it. Maybe an excuse for some sort of pregnancy massage.

Well that sounds like my kind of excuse lol.

I had similar op. Booked myself into physio at the local private hospital. She did some massage, ultrasound, and accupuncture. And explained what was happening about the muscles going into spasm that helped. Gave me some exercises and taught me how to get out of bed putting as little stress as possible on the area.

Three sessions relueved things and helped me manage it through rest of pg.

@teenmom2be I was also going to suggest pregnancy ante-natal.
In our area, we can refer ourselves. There is a phone number in my pack and I called to arrange appointment.

I hope you get it sorted, nothing worse than back pain

Swimming isn't great for upper back pain

ibuprofen is fine in the second trimester for many women.
plus the gel only contains a small amount of the active ingredients.

I had a dislocated hip from 16wks onwards. I used stick on heat patches and deep heat gel/roll on. Obviously I wasn't pain free but I managed to keep working up until 37 wks and had my baby a few days later. I also self referred to physio who helped with pain and also birthing positions. Best of luck OP.

Thanks everyone for your answers!

I was told by GP, midwife and obstetrician to absolutely not take any ibuprofen under any circumstances, but prescribed codeine which is also not recommend in pregnancy, as well as various other medications that say not to take in pregnancy including those often prescribed for HG. Double check with doctor, but there might be a reason they have done what they have done and they might be able to sign post you to the research that says why it's ok which should further ease your mind

So I was told by my GP that ibuprofen can be prescribed (in certain circumstances) in trimester 1 and 2, but never in 3. I thought it was something to do with it being a blood thinner rather than being actively dangerous/poisonous for your baby. Maybe double check, or call your midwife?