Pain Relief Drugs Increase Risk of Miscarriage

Be careful consuming painkillers containing ibuprofren when planning a pregnancy until the age of the womb 20 weeks. A study found that women who take ibuprofen just before pregnancy until the age of 20 weeks of twice the risk of miscarriage.

Scientists cautioned that tens of thousands of pregnant women taking ibuprofen during pregnancy without realizing the dangers. Although there are clear warnings about the dangers of drugs during pregnancy, one in six pregnant women is still taking painkillers such as ibuprofen.

Research involving a group of painkillers known or anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen and naproxen. Aspirin is one of these categories although not included in the study. While paracetamol is considered safe during pregnancy.

The researchers believe, the intake of drugs causing the embryo in the womb is not attached properly, so that women are more likely to suffer a miscarriage or spontaneous abortion.

Around one in eight pregnancies ends in miscarriage, and the majority occur within the first 12 weeks. Often, the cause of miscarriage is not clear, but older women, drink alcoholic beverages or obese have a much higher risk.

The study, published in the journal Canadian Medical Association involving 47 050 women aged 15-45 years. They were asked whether taking painkillers for two weeks before pregnancy to 20 weeks of pregnancy. And one in six pregnant women admitted taking painkillers.

Dr. Anick Berard of the University of Montreal said, "We consistently see that the risk of spontaneous abortion was associated with the use of diclofenac, naproxen, celecoxib, ibuprofen and rofecoxib alone or in combination during pregnancy. Women who drank the type and dosage of non-aspirin NSAIDs during early pregnancy more likely to have a spontaneous abortion, "

But, a miscarriage due to painkillers is small. The study also did not account for other causes such as smoking and obesity. Dr Virginia Beckett, a spokesman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: "It is important that every woman reduce risks when planning and during pregnancy to reduce complications to a healthy lifestyle."