Studies have shown that prolonged use of NSAIDs causes liver and kidney problems.
There are even further injuries and birth defects to consider for pregnant women.
There are severe health complications and birth defects associated with the use of NSAIDs during pregnancy.
To get the full picture, we’re going to break down what NSAIDs are, their effects on pregnancy, and the injuries and health complications associated with the medication.
If your baby has experienced an NSAIDs birth injury, continue reading to learn how you can schedule a free consultation about NSAID birth injuries lawsuits.
What are NSAIDs?
NSAIDs stands for nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs. There are various kinds of NSAIDs on the market.
The most popular NSAIDs are ibuprofen, aspirin and tylenol. Most medical providers typically use NSAIDs in treatment rather than opioid pain-relievers.
These can be prescription drugs but most of the time, they’re available over the counter (OTC) at your local pharmacy or grocery store in the ‘pain relief’ section.
When inflammation occurs, nerve receptors send signals throughout the body that there is pain in a specific area. Our bodies naturally become swollen, sensitive and may be warm to touch in an effort to protect the affected area.
NSAIDs work by responding to the nerve receptors to minimize the sensitivity and decrease the inflammation and heat of the affected area.
Are NSAIDs safe for pregnant women?
For most people, NSAIDs are generally safe to use for a short period of time. But pregnant women must be careful with continuous NSAID use.
The FDA warns that the use of NSAIDs around 20 weeks of pregnancy and later may cause severe kidney damage and other gastrointestinal damages to the mother. Frequent use can even increase the risk of miscarriage.
These types of injuries also lead to decreased levels of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. This leaves room for further health complications and possible injuries pre birth and during labor. Your baby could be at an increased risk for heart and digestive system problems.
NSAIDs treatment must be carefully monitored by obstetricians in an effort to reduce the possibility of further harm to your newborn.
Any consideration of taking ibuprofen, tylenol, or other kinds of NSAIDs while pregnant should be discussed with your obstetrician.
Your obstetrician can then review your medical history and provide a proper natal plan and prescription. They should also advise you on the risks involved for pregnant women taking NSAIDs.
NSAIDs and the first trimester of pregnancy
There can be severe health risks and birth injuries to unborn babies with the overuse of NSAIDs, particularly in the first trimester.
Two of the most common risks associated with NSAIDs in the first trimester of pregnancy are neurodevelopment delays and disabilities and fetal development.
Neurodevelopment delays and disabilities
Studies have found that fetuses who were exposed to NSAIDs in the first trimester, or earlier, had problems with focusing, attention, and other cognitive impairments.
Fetal development
Fetal development covers and includes any defects which occur while your fetus is growing.
Some of the most common fetal defects associated with NSAIDs in the first trimester affect the fetus’ eyes, urogenital tract and development, reproductive system and development, and the extremities, such as clubfoot or amniotic band syndrome.
Your baby may be at an increased risk for further injuries, such as:
- Gastroschisis: Which is when the intestines from outside of the body
- Cleft lips or cleft palate: A condition in which there is a split in the lip, tongue, or mouth
- Spina bifida: A condition where the newborn’s spinal cord does not develop properly
- Anencephaly: Which is when the baby’s brain and skull do not develop properly
- Hypospadias: A health condition affecting the baby’s penis
These injuries can have lifelong effects on your child. Some of the health complications, such as Spina Bifida, will require your child to seek lifelong therapy.
NSAIDs can also be linked to traumatic labor which can affect the mother and baby. It can put the mother and baby at risk for further injuries such as prolonged labor and hemorrhaging.
With all of this being said, the main takeaway is that NSAIDs in pregnancy can cause serious birth defects and risks to your baby.
Medical professionals may recommend and prescription medications such as acetaminophen instead.
If your obstetrician did not discuss the risks of using NSAIDs while pregnant, or did not recommend alternative medications to treat pain, speak with a medical malpractice attorney immediately.
"(Required)" indicates required fields
By entering your contact information, you are providing consent for Grover Lewis Johnson to contact you at the email and number you provided via telephone, mobile device, text SMS/MMS and pre-recorded messages, even if you are registered on a corporate, state, or federal Do Not Call list. You are also acknowledging and agreeing to our terms of service and privacy policy. Consent is not required to use our services.
Don’t delay — get help with your NSAID lawsuit
Obstetricians, medical providers, medical personnel and hospitals have a duty to provide the standard level of care to their patients.
The standard level of care is essentially the accepted and widely used treatment, practice, or procedure for a diagnosis, condition or situation.
For example, if you were experiencing labor pains and asked your obstetrician about taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen, and they did not advise you on the risks involved, then they did not provide you with the standard of care.
Another example would be if you have a past medical history of blood conditions. If your medical provider did not consider your past medical history and still advised you to take NSAIDs, which lead to further birth related injuries, you deserve compensation.
If you suspect your medical provider did not provide you with standard level of care while you were pregnant and taking NSAIDs, and your baby suffered an injury or was diagnosed with a severe health complication, speak with a medical malpractice lawyer.
They can determine if in fact malpractice occurred and can review the damages of your case.
A trustworthy legal team experienced in malpractice, such as at Grover Lewis Johnson, can explain the legal process and what can be expected for your NSAIDs birth injuries case.
Your family deserves justice — call us for a free consultation today.