Prenatal NSAID Exposure Linked to Slight Increase in Childhood Kidney Disease Risk

Research tracking over 1 million children suggests timing and type of pain reliever exposure during pregnancy may influence a child’s long-term kidney health.

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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.