Q: What are the specific roles of ibuprofen for a pregnant lady in different trimesters? Why is ibuprofen contraindicated for a pregnant lady? Can ibuprofen (400 mg) be prescribed in case of pain in teeth for a pregnant lady during her last trimester?

A:Technically, ibuprofen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and like all other NSAIDs, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is a category C drug, which means that owing to their pharmacological effects, they have caused or may be suspected of causing harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. During pregnancy, one can take paracetamol with/without codeine (e.g. Crocin or Crocin Pain Relief). In early pregnancy, aspirin with/without codeine is also acceptable but certainly not in late pregnancy.