Health Library

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications commonly used to treat inflammation, pain, and fever. Some NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and ketoprofen, are available over-the-counter, while others require a prescription. A new study published in the August 16, 2003 British Medical Journal reveals that prenatal use of NSAIDs and aspirin increases the risk of miscarriage.

The study, which involved 1,055 pregnant women, found that women who took NSAIDs at the beginning of their pregnancies were five times more likely to experience a miscarriage compared to those who used the drugs later in their pregnancies. Additionally, the study showed that taking NSAIDs at any point during pregnancy increased the chance of miscarriage by 80%. The risk was also higher when the drugs were used for longer than one week, though this risk was not influenced by other factors such as alcohol or coffee consumption.

De-Kun Li, the lead researcher from the Kaiser Foundation Research Institute in Oakland, California, noted a “striking contrast” between the effects of acetaminophen and those of NSAIDs in the study’s findings.

This study builds upon earlier research from the University of Aarhus in Denmark in 2001, which examined medical records and the national birth registry. That study found an association between NSAID use in the weeks leading up to a miscarriage, particularly for those occurring after 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Pharmacologist Andy Gray from Natal University’s Nelson Mandela School of Medicine in South Africa advises, “Women should avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during pregnancy and consult their doctor before taking any medication.”