Are you taking these common painkillers while pregnant?

We all know that we shouldn't take medication while pregnant without a doctor's knowledge, in case it passes through the placenta to affect the baby, right? However, certain painkillers have become so commonly used that they may be wrongly thought to be exempt from this rule.  A study by the University of Montreal has found that the use of ibuprofen (in over-the-counter medicines like Advil) and naproxen (in Aleve) in early pregnancy could more than double the risk of miscarriage. The findings are significant enough to serve as a warning to take all due care when deciding to take medication during pregnancy.

Over-the-counter painkillers ibuprofen and naproxen  are both non-aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a group that includes prescription medications diclofenac, celecoxib (Celebrex) and rofecoxib (Vioxx). In a study of 52,000 women, it was found that of the 4,705 women who miscarried before the 20th week of pregnancy, 7.5% had been given at least one prescription of these drugs during early pregnancy. The miscarriage rate among women in the study who had not been prescribed one of these drugs was 2.6%. It is possible that even lower-dose, over-the-counter medications present a significant danger.

While the study only used the prescription as a marker, and not actual usage of the drugs, and thus cannot prove a direct link, it may serve as a timely reminder that more care should be taken before prescribing and using painkillers in pregnancy. It is possible that some of the women who miscarried never actually took the prescribed medication and/or that some could have miscarried for other reasons.  It was emphasized that non-NSAID painkillers, like acetaminophen, are a better choice during early pregnancy. So, don't be complacent about the contents of your medicine cabinet and check with your doctor before taking any medication.

Links:

http://healthland.time.com/2011/09/08/common-painkiller-use-may-be-linked-to-miscarriage-risk/

The Canadian Medical Association Journal http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2011/09/06/cmaj.110454

Comments

[Natural Fertility]

Great information and I appreciate your knowledge. It is possible that some of the women who miscarried never actually took the prescribed medication and/or that some could have miscarried for other reasons. Thanks for sharing this great ad useful information...!!
Natural Fertility

[Chelsea Leis]

As a rule of thumb, it is best to always seek doctor's approval before taking any medication. Expectant mothers need expert guidance during their pregnancy to protect both the mother and her unborn child. The risk of miscarriage is a real threat that should not be ignored.

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