Naproxen and pregnancy
Naproxen is not usually recommended in pregnancy. This is because it may affect your baby, in particular causing problems with their circulation and amniotic fluid levels.
Your doctor will only advise you to take naproxen while you're pregnant if the benefits of taking the medicine clearly outweigh the risks.
There may be other treatments that are safer for you. Paracetamol is generally the best painkiller to take during pregnancy.
Naproxen and breastfeeding
Naproxen is not usually recommended while you are breastfeeding. Other anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, are safer. But if other painkillers are not suitable, your doctor may tell you to take naproxen.
It is better to only take naproxen for a short time if possible.
Naproxen passes into breast milk in small amounts and is unlikely to harm your baby. But there have been 1 or 2 reports of side effects in babies after having naproxen through breast milk. These have included some effects on the babies' blood, drowsiness and being sick.
If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems drowsy, or has an upset stomach, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.
Naproxen and fertility
Taking anti-inflammatory medicines, like naproxen, in large doses or for a long time can affect ovulation, so it may make it more difficult to get pregnant.
Do not take naproxen if you're trying to get pregnant or you're having tests for infertility. Paracetamol is a better painkiller.
There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking naproxen reduces fertility in men.
Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:
- trying to get pregnant
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
Find out how taking naproxen can affect you and your baby on the Best Use of Medicine in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.