Researchers in Israel say they found no evidence that using common painkillers during early pregnancy increases the risk of major birth defects.
Ben‑Gurion University of the Negev said the findings come from a large study published in PLOS Medicine, which analyzed more than 260,000 pregnancies over 20 years.
The team examined the use of widely used NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and diclofenac.
After adjusting for fever, infections and other health conditions, researchers found that first‑trimester NSAID use was not associated with a higher risk of birth defects.
They said earlier concerns likely reflected the underlying illnesses being treated, not the medications.
A second study by the same group, published in Human Reproduction Open, looked at paracetamol use during pregnancy.
It found no clear link between the drug and low birth weight, premature birth, low Apgar scores or newborn complications at any stage of pregnancy.
The researchers said the results offer reassurance that commonly used medicines for pain and fever, when taken as needed under medical guidance, are not independently tied to major birth defects or serious pregnancy problems.
