In plain words
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, called NSAIDs, are a large group of common pain and fever medicines. They reduce inflammation and pain. They are used for many things after birth, including cramping and sore muscles. In pregnancy, the picture changes. From about 20 weeks, NSAIDs can reduce the amount of amniotic fluid and affect the baby's developing kidneys. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised against them from that point in 2020. Mothers may be told that other options exist, and that a provider can help choose one. Some NSAIDs are also used after a or vaginal birth under a provider's direction. Pain relief is a question to take to a provider.
The deeper version
NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2, reducing synthesis. In the second half of pregnancy, prostaglandin inhibition reduces fetal renal perfusion and urine output, producing , and may affect the fetal ductus arteriosus. The FDA (2020) advised avoiding NSAIDs from 20 weeks of gestation onward, and ACOG concurs. Observational data on early pregnancy exposure and cardiac or other outcomes are mixed and carry residual confounding. Postpartum, NSAIDs are standard first-line analgesia after vaginal and cesarean birth under ACOG and RCOG guidance, with use balanced against renal, bleeding, and asthma considerations in individual patients.
Where it comes up
- Afterpains: cramping while nursingPostpartum: Your Body
- Back pain and sciaticaPregnancy: Your Body
- Pain options: from breathing to epiduralGetting Ready for Birth
- Healing a tear or stitchesPostpartum: Your Body
- Cesarean recovery, week by weekPostpartum: Your Body
What mothers here say about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
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Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Drug Safety Communication: avoid NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later, 2020
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Committee Opinion 742: Postpartum Pain Management (2018)