Calm urged over report linking painkillers to miscarriages

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has advised pregnant women not to be "unduly concerned" by a report out today linking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with increased risk of miscarriage.

The paper, published in the British Medical Journal today, claimed that prenatal NSAID use was associated with "an 80% increased risk of miscarriage". The risk of miscarriage was stronger if the initial NSAID use was around the time of conception or if NSAID use lasted more than a week.

Prenatal aspirin use was "similarly associated with an increased risk of miscarriage", according to the research. However, prenatal use of paracetamol, pharmacologically different from NSAIDs and aspirin, was "not associated with increased risk of miscarriage regardless of timing and duration of use".

Dr Melanie Davies, Chair, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' Guideline and Audit Committee, said that it had been advised for some time that women who know they are pregnant should avoid NSAIDs. Paracetamol, she agreed, was an effective alternative.

"Women who have previously suffered a miscarriage, may sometimes be prescribed aspirin by their GP or gynaecologist to take whilst trying to become pregnant in the hope of reducing the risk of a future miscarriage. This study identifies an association of increased risk of miscarriage with pre-conceptual use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin. However, other larger studies have already suggested that this practice should not be recommended," she said.

"It is important to note that this is a very small study and the authors of the paper emphasise that their findings need confirmation by further studies designed specifically to examine the apparent association. Any woman who does have concerns about the findings of this study should discuss them with her midwife or GP at her next appointment."

(gmcg)