John Smith, PAGB Chief Executive, comments:
“This study* looks at the use of ibuprofen in pregnancy, however pregnant women are advised to avoid taking ibuprofen during pregnancy, unless it is on the advice of a doctor. The researchers themselves acknowledge this.
“If painkillers are needed throughout pregnancy, the official NHS advice is that paracetamol can be used through all stages of pregnancy to reduce a high temperature (fever) and relieve pain. This is supported by a large body of evidence from over 50 years of paracetamol use in humans.
“In line with current guidelines, we advise that pregnant women use paracetamol at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. We would recommend that pregnant women should always speak to their GP, midwife or pharmacist before taking any medicine, including paracetamol. It’s also important to read the product information carefully and only use in accordance with the instructions.”
*A study published in Human Reproduction journal has reported that women who take ibuprofen in the first three months of pregnancy may be reducing the store of eggs in the ovaries of their daughters.
