Which general statement about pregnancy and medications is true?

• A. NSAIDs can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus
• B. Acetaminophen is unsafe in pregnancy
• C. Ibuprofen is preferred analgesic in pregnancy
• D. Aspirin is recommended for all pregnant patients

Answer: (A)

Prostaglandins keep the fetal ductus arteriosus open, so drugs that block prostaglandin synthesis can cause it to close. NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase, lowering prostaglandin levels, and when this happens in late pregnancy the ductus arteriosus can constrict and close prematurely. That premature closure disrupts fetal circulation and can lead to pulmonary hypertension and other complications for the fetus, which is why NSAIDs are avoided as pregnancy progresses toward term. The safest analgesic option in pregnancy is generally acetaminophen; ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are not preferred in pregnancy due to the same risk of premature ductal closure, and aspirin is not routinely recommended for all pregnant patients—it's reserved for specific indications under medical supervision.