> > >Ibuprofen 'can double the risk of miscarriage' and many expectant mothers are >unaware of the dangers. > >By SOPHIE BORLAND > >Last updated at 12:31 AM on 7th September 2011 >A study has found women who took ibuprofen just before they conceived until >the 20th week of pregnancy were 2.4 times more likely to miscarry >Pregnant women who take painkillers such as ibuprofen are twice as likely to >suffer a miscarriage, a study claims. >Scientists warn that tens of thousands of expectant mothers are taking the >pills unaware of the dangers. >A major study has found that women who took ibuprofen or similar painkillers >just before they conceived until the 20th week of pregnancy were 2.4 times >more at risk. > > >Although there are clear warnings on the drugs’ packets stating they should >not be used in pregnancy, as many as one in six expectant mothers still take >them. >The study involved a group of painkillers known as Non-Steroidal Anti >Inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDS, which include over-the-counter ibuprofen and >naproxen. > >Aspirin is also in this category although it wasn’t included in the study, >while paracetamol is deemed safe. >The researchers believe taking any number of the drugs can lead to the embryo >not being properly implanted in the womb meaning a woman is far more likely to >suffer miscarriage – also known as a spontaneous abortion. > > >Around one in eight pregnancies end in miscarriage and the majority happen in >the first 12 weeks. >Often there is no obvious cause but older women and those who smoke, drink >heavily or are obese are at far higher risk. >The study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal involved >47,050 women aged 15 to 45. >Despite the warnings some 17 per cent had taken the drugs – nearly one in >six.They were asked whether they had taken the painkillers at any time in the >first 20 weeks of their pregnancy – or two weeks before they became pregnant. >Dr Anick Bérard of the University of Montreal said: ‘We consistently saw that >the risk of having a spontaneous abortion was associated with gestational use >of diclofenac, naproxen, celecoxib, ibuprofen and rofecoxib alone or in >combination. > > >‘Women who were exposed to any type and dosage of non-aspirin NSAID during >early pregnancy were more likely to have a spontaneous abortion.’ >But doctors pointed out the risks of a woman suffering a miscarriage due to >painkillers were very small. >They also said the study did not take into account other possible causes such >as smoking and obesity. > > >Dr Virginia Beckett, spokesman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and >Gynaecologists, said: ‘It is important that any woman before conception and >during pregnancy plans their pregnancy and reduces their risk of any >complications through maintaining a healthy lifestyle. >‘It is safe to take paracetamol during pregnancy.’ >Read >more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2034434/Ibuprofen-double-risk-miscarriage.html#ixzz1XjqnjVY1 > >
