Study: Pregnant Women Taking NSAIDs for Arthritis More Likely to Miscarry

Pregnant women who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin for such conditions as arthritis drastically rise their risk of having a miscarriage, according to a study reported in the August 16 issue of the British Medical Journal.

Researchers in California interviewed 1,055 pregnant women about their drug use since becoming pregnant, their childbearing history, known or potential risk factors for miscarriage and sociodemographic characteristics.

Women who took NSAIDs during pregnancy increased their chances of having a miscarriage by 80 percent. The risk was much higher when NSAIDs were taken around conception or were used for longer than a week. Aspirin was similarly associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.

According to the researchers, these drugs work by suppressing the production of fatty acids needed for successful implantation of an embryo in the womb. Because NSAIDs and aspirin act on the whole body, they could lead to abnormal implantation that predisposes an embryo to miscarriage.

Acknowledging that further studies are needed, the researchers said it may be prudent for women who are planning to become pregnant to be aware of this potential risk and avoid using NSAIDs around the time of conception.

Other sources: British Medical Journal 2003;327:353-354