Naproxen and Pregnancy

There are a number of possible side effects and complications associated with naproxen, and pregnancy problems are a potential risk. Naproxen is considered a pregnancy Category C medicine, which means that although it has not been studied extensively in humans, it showed negative effects to the fetus in pregnant animal studies.

 

Naproxen and Pregnancy: An Overview

Most healthcare providers do not recommend taking naproxen (brand names include Aleve®, Naprosyn®, EC-Naprosyn®, Anaprox®, Anaprox® DS, and Naprelan®) during pregnancy because it can possibly cause problems in the unborn child or complicate labor and delivery. Taking naproxen at all during the third trimester should be avoided. Early in the pregnancy, it is possible that your healthcare provider may recommend naproxen. This is because he or she feels that the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your unborn child.
 

Naproxen and Pregnancy Category C

Naproxen is considered a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but show side effects to the fetus in animal studies. It is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. A pregnancy Category C medicine may still be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.
 
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking naproxen, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of naproxen during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;