Ibuprofen is contraindicated in which trimester?

Prepare for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Oral Boards. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your exam!

In late pregnancy, keeping the fetal ductus arteriosus open relies on prostaglandins. Ibuprofen blocks prostaglandin synthesis, so using it in the third trimester can cause the ductus arteriosus to constrict or close prematurely. That premature closure can lead to fetal hypoxia, pulmonary hypertension, and heart strain, and it may also reduce fetal kidney perfusion, contributing to oligohydramnios. Because of these significant fetal risks, ibuprofen is contraindicated in the third trimester. In earlier trimesters the concerns are different and NSAIDs are approached with caution, but the key risk in late pregnancy is the ductus arteriosus issue, which is why the third trimester is specifically avoided. Postpartum isn’t a pregnancy trimester, so it’s not the concern here.