EXPLORING THE RISKS OF ANALGESIC CONSUMPTION DURING PREGNANCY ON FETAL DEVELOPMENT IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Analgesic use during pregnancy presents a significant public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings like Pakistan, where self-medication and limited access to healthcare exacerbate associated risks. This study aims to examine the prevalence, types, and fetal outcomes linked to prenatal analgesic exposure in Pakistan, utilizing a mixed-methods approach. This includes cross-sectional surveys of 500 pregnant women and a retrospective analysis of 1,200 hospital birth records. Our findings indicate that 42% of participants self-medicated with analgesics, with the most commonly used medications being paracetamol (68%), ibuprofen (22%), and aspirin (10%). Notably, adverse fetal outcomes such as preterm birth (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.7), low birth weight (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4–3.0), and congenital anomalies (OR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.5–5.9) were significantly associated with first-trimester exposure to these drugs. Socioeconomic factors, including lower education levels (p < 0.001) and rural residency (p = 0.003), were identified as predictors of increased misuse. Qualitative interviews further revealed a lack of awareness about the risks of analgesic use during pregnancy and a cultural reliance on over-the-counter medications. These findings align with global research but underscore region-specific challenges, such as unregulated pharmacy practices and gender disparities in healthcare access. To mitigate these risks, we recommend stricter analgesic sales regulations, targeted educational campaigns, and the integration of prenatal counseling into primary care. Limitations of this study include recall bias and the use of single-center data. Future research should explore the long-term effects of prenatal analgesic exposure and investigate ethno pharmacological practices.