Applied for COS to H4 from F1 along with H4 EAD

I have a question regarding my spouse’s immigration status and STEM OPT eligibility.

1. I filed an H-4 Change of Status (COS) for my spouse along with H-4 EAD on December 1, 2025.

2. My spouse is currently on F-1 OPT, which is set to expire on February 2, 2026.

3)The H-4 COS is still pending.

Question:

While the H-4 COS and H-4 EAD are pending, is it permissible to apply for STEM OPT extension now, before the current OPT expires?

Are there any legal or status-related issues with filing a STEM OPT extension while an H-4 COS application is pending?

Could this create a conflict of intent or negatively impact either the STEM OPT or H-4 COS application?

Is this approach commonly recommended, or should we wait for a decision on the H-4 COS?