Fact Check: Advil is dangerous to take while pregnant

claritycheckknight
Nov 20
2 min read

Updated: Dec 5

The Viral Claim

The claim going around is that Advil is dangerous to take while pregnant, especially after 20 weeks. People online say it can cause low amniotic fluid, kidney problems in unborn babies, and other risks for both the mother and the fetus. This claim spread widely due to dealing with pregnancy health, which many people are quick to react to and share.

Where it started

The claim mainly began with official FDA warnings, especially a major one published in 2020 and reposted again in 2022. The FDA reported 35 serious cases where NSAID use (including Advil) was linked to low amniotic fluid and fatal kidney problems. Over the course of time, health websites such as Optum and Verywell Health repeated this information, which assisted the claim in spreading over time.

Why It Matters

This claim matters because it affects pregnant women, unborn babies, families, and healthcare decisions. If people ignore the warning, they could cause harm unintentionally to the pregnancy, since evidence shows real risks after 20 weeks.

On the other hand, misinformation could also worry people for no reason if they don't understand when the risk actually starts. Fact-checking helps make sure the public has the correct medical guidance.

What the Evidence Shows

NSAIDs such as Advil can lower amniotic fluid after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Advil can affect the baby's kidney function and in some cases it can even lead to serious kidney problems.
It may also affect the fetal heart, causing early closure of a major blood vessel.
The FDA documented 35 serious cases, including some newborn deaths.

Expert Opinion

The primary voices behind the claim are the FDA, registered nurse Rashida Ruwa, and doctors like Priya Patel, MD, all of whom are credible.

Experts agree the Advil is not safe after 20 weeks and should only be used earlier in pregnancy if a doctor says it's okay. They also explain that the research is based on medical reports--not assumptions--so the concerns come from real cases, and not just rumors.

The Fact

Based on sources, the fact is pretty clear: Taking Advil during pregnancy--especially after 20 weeks--can be dangerous. It can reduce amniotic fluid, affect fetal kidneys, and sometimes even cause serious competitions. While not every case is severe, the pattern is strong enough that the FDA officially warns against it.

Bottom Line

The claim is mostly true. Advil can be harmful during pregnancy, more so in the later months. The evidence comes from certified medical cases, experts reviews, and government warnings. Pregnant women should try their best to avoid Advil after 20 weeks and always talk to a doctor before proceeding with any type of medication. The safest choices would be to follow the FDA's guidance and to use alternatives recommended by health care professionals.

Deeper Dive

Interested in learning more? Look at our analysis; it shows the entire process.