Taking painkillers during pregnancy, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, may increase the risk of the child developing kidney problems later in life, a recent study has found.
Pregnant women are often advised not to take painkillers, particularly in late pregnancy, due to risks such as low amniotic fluid levels and kidney damage in the unborn child.
Findings from the study add to the evidence that the risk goes beyond the gestation period. Certain painkillers, even when taken in the first trimester, may increase the risk of the child developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in later years.
Currently, around four in five women use painkillers during early pregnancy….