Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are very common for pain relief from inflammation-related conditions that generic versions of these drugs are even available over-the-counter (OTC). Even pregnant women are prescribed with NSAIDs in their first trimester and more of them even take over-the-counter versions of these drugs.

Previous studies have already shown that taking NSAIDs towards the last trimester of pregnancy can cause certain circulatory problems such premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and patent ductus arteriosus.

However, the risks related to early-pregnancy ingestion of NSAIDS were less well defined until the findings of a new case-control study led by Anick Berard, Ph.D. of St. Justine Hospital in Montreal.

Results of the said study, published in the August issue of Birth Defects Research Part B (a journal published by John Wiley & Sons) have reported that women who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) early in their pregnancies may be more likely to give birth to babies with congenital defects, particularly cardiac septal defects.

"Our analysis of data from the Medication and Pregnancy registry suggests that women who fill prescriptions for NSAIDs in the first trimester of pregnancy may be at greater risk of having children with congenital anomalies, particularly those related to cardiac septal closure," the authors conclude.

"This is in accordance with previous findings, but needs to be replicated in other study populations."

I don't know about you but when I was pregnant, I was too scared to take medicines not prescribed by my ob-gyne. I remember only taking folic acid and multi-vitamin supplements. Not even paracetamol for slight fever, much less NSAIDS.

Source: Science Daily