For the study, researchers took a look at the painkiller use of 15,000 women who had given birth to children with birth defects and compared them to the painkiller usage of 5,500 women who gave birth to children with no deformities. Overall, the data looked good.
“Of the 29 different defects we examined, we were happy that a vast majority were not tied to NSAIDs,” said co-author Martha Werler, a researcher of birth defects at Boston University. There were, however, a few birth defects in which an increase was noted for mothers who had taken NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin.
Cleft palate, a condition in which the palate does not close completely, rose by 30 to 80 percent. Spinal bifida, a condition in which the spine doesn’t develop properly, rose 60 percent. Amniotic band syndrome, a condition that can cause various malformations, like clubfoot, was three times higher in women that took NSAIDs, as was the chances of a baby being born with no eyes or abnormally small eyes.
Researchers say that the study doesn’t prove that painkillers are to blame, but they do say that mothers should carefully reconsider taking NSAID painkillers during pregnancy until further research can be conducted.
“Until we know more information, women should consult with their doctor to weigh risks and benefits of taking pain medication,” said Werler.
But don’t worry if you are in your first trimester and have already taken an over-the-counter NSAIDs, says Dr. Eva Pressman of the University of Rochester Medical Center who was not involved in the research, but studies maternal-fetal medicine at the university.
Once you do know you are pregnant, however, you should avoid any medication that is classified as an NSAID. “For pain, I recommend taking Tylenol, which works through a different mechanism of action and is considered safe for pregnancy.”
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