NSAIDs in late pregnancy are associated with which risk?

• A. Premature closure of the ductus arteriosus
• B. Neural tube defects
• C. Neonatal jaundice
• D. Limb defects

Answer: (A)

NSAIDs in late pregnancy carry a risk because they inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, and prostaglandins are what keep the ductus arteriosus open before birth. By blocking this signal, these drugs can cause premature constriction or closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus. If the ductus closes too early, it disrupts the normal fetal circulation, which can lead to pulmonary hypertension and fetal distress. This specific risk—premature closure of the ductus arteriosus—is the best answer because it directly reflects the prostaglandin-dependent mechanism that NSAIDs affect in the third trimester.

Other listed risks are associated with different drugs or conditions (for example, neural tube defects with certain anticonvulsants, or limb defects with other teratogens), not with NSAIDs in late pregnancy.