Does taking NSAIDs during pregnancy increase the risk of kidney disease in my child?

Research suggests that using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while pregnant may increase the chance of kidney problems developing in the child. A systematic review combining data from millions of participants found a clear association between prenatal NSAID use and childhood kidney disease. The risk appears to be higher when these drugs are taken later in pregnancy.

What the research says

A meta-analysis of seven studies involving over 4.1 million people found that prenatal exposure to NSAIDs is associated with kidney disease risk in children. The overall odds ratio was 1.36, meaning the risk is higher for exposed children compared to those not exposed ¹. When researchers adjusted for other factors, the odds ratio increased to 2.40, indicating a stronger link after accounting for other variables ¹.

The timing of drug use matters. The analysis showed that using NSAIDs in the second trimester was associated with an odds ratio of 1.17, and use in the third trimester had an odds ratio of 1.10 ¹. This means the risk is elevated during these specific periods of pregnancy compared to no use at all. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings were consistent across different study groups ¹.

Other studies in the provided sources focus on different topics, such as the genetic links between kidney function and Alzheimer's disease or kidney disease progression in Hispanic/Latinx adults with IgAN ²³. These do not address the specific question about NSAID use during pregnancy and child kidney risk.

What to ask your doctor

• What are the safest pain relief options for me during my pregnancy?
• Are there specific times in my pregnancy when I should avoid NSAIDs to protect my child's kidney health?
• What symptoms should I watch for that might indicate kidney issues in my child later in life?