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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Is ibuprofen gel safe to use in pregnancy? Sciatica is killing me

14 replies

TheGirlWithTheGreyBunny · 21/04/2022 21:38

I have sciatica and it’s been so bad where it hurts all of the time not just when walking. I rang my dr and they gave me codeine and it’s not helping fully I’d say taking the edge off. I have an ibuprofen gel lying around from when my partner hurt his back a while back. Would it be safe to rub some into my back? I know we can’t take ibuprofen pills but the gel should be ok shouldn’t it? I forgot to add in 16 weeks

OP posts:
Squiff70 · 21/04/2022 22:19

No, sorry. Ibuprofen (gel or tablets) isn't recommended in pregnancy. There's almost certainly nothing else you can take that's considered safe. I think the best you can do is take regular paracetamol rather than waiting until you're in pain to take it, then if necessary, topping up with the prescribed dose of codeine from your GP.

LittleMG · 22/04/2022 08:47

I’m 35 weeks and was really really struggling with the same as you last week, it was literally making me cry. On Tuesday my sister took my son swimming and I joined them and I only did a tiny bit but something must have shifted as if almost totally gone! Some might be worth a try??

endofthelinefinally · 22/04/2022 08:53

Are you doing specific exercises to treat the sciatica? You can find them online, or, I would recommend seeing a physiotherapist. Codeine causes awful constipation and doesn't really do anything for sciatica.

endofthelinefinally · 22/04/2022 08:54

LittleMG · 22/04/2022 08:47

I’m 35 weeks and was really really struggling with the same as you last week, it was literally making me cry. On Tuesday my sister took my son swimming and I joined them and I only did a tiny bit but something must have shifted as if almost totally gone! Some might be worth a try??

Exactly. Mobilising the spine to take the pressure off the nerve is what works.

Garman · 22/04/2022 12:55

Why would the gel be okay if the tablet isn't? Go for a deep tissue massage if you can, or ice the area, get a support belt, move in ways that can avoid aggravating it when possible.

Loulou1712 · 22/04/2022 14:49

I think the packet says it's ok if your less than 6months pregnant, but check with a Dr if your concerned. The gel is obviously much more localised than taking the pills. I used it in early pregnancy on my neck but not sure I'd use it close to baby x

Favourodds · 22/04/2022 14:57

Why would the gel be okay if the tablet isn't?

Why would you assert something inaccurate with such confidence? We all have our questions. It's quite logical to think something topical may be less of risk.

The gel isn't contraindicated until 6 months pregnant. But it's probably not going to help you much and you want to get on top of your sciatica before you get more pregnant. Could be a good time to get into yoga/general stretching.

Garman · 22/04/2022 15:59

Favourodds · 22/04/2022 14:57

Why would the gel be okay if the tablet isn't?

Why would you assert something inaccurate with such confidence? We all have our questions. It's quite logical to think something topical may be less of risk.

The gel isn't contraindicated until 6 months pregnant. But it's probably not going to help you much and you want to get on top of your sciatica before you get more pregnant. Could be a good time to get into yoga/general stretching.

It's not inaccurate, you said yourself it's contraindicated 🙄

Favourodds · 22/04/2022 18:27

It isn't contraindicated until 6 months. The* *OP is 16 weeks.

GrowBabyGrow · 22/04/2022 18:37

Best to avoid the gel or talk to your dr. From the NHS website: "Ibuprofen is not usually recommended in pregnancy, unless it's prescribed by a doctor, especially if you're more than 30 weeks pregnant. This is because ibuprofen can affect your baby's circulation and kidneys. There may also be a link between taking ibuprofen in early pregnancy and miscarriage.^

Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen if you're pregnant. Your doctor can advise you about the benefits and possible harms of taking it.
^^
A short course of ibuprofen may be OK, but it will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are and the reason you need to take the medicine. There may be other treatments that are more suitable for you."

GrowBabyGrow · 22/04/2022 18:38

Sorry Mumsnet's new site messed up my fancy italics!

Original poster
TheGirlWithTheGreyBunny · 23/04/2022 10:47

Thanks everyone I used a hot water bottle instead. I imagined gel wouldn’t soak all the way through my skin and reach the baby which is why I thought it would be ok. I’m sorry my brain may not work like everyone else’s

OP posts:
annlee3817 · 23/04/2022 10:55

I'd recommend physio if you can, or looking up sciatica stretches in pregnancy, ibuprofen even if allowed would do nothing as it's the nerve that's aggravated. Do you already sleep with a pillow between your knees?

Posture when sitting is important and good back support, it's horrible, I've and it on and off for twenty years and it's started to come back this pregnancy, keeping active where possible helps loosen me up. Also might be worth using a bump support band to take the pressure off, really hope it eases up for you soon.

Favourodds · 23/04/2022 15:41

I imagined gel wouldn’t soak all the way through my skin and reach the baby which is why I thought it would be ok. I’m sorry my brain may not work like everyone else’s

It's a completely reasonable assumption. Like most drugs, there's probably little evidence either way and it's easier to simply say it's unsafe. Which is quite annoying but also the complexity of trialing things on pregnant women means it's unlikely to change.

Hope you feel better soon. Sciatica is a pig.

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