What risk is associated with maternal prostaglandin inhibitor medications like indomethacin?

Maternal prostaglandin inhibitor medications, such as indomethacin, are commonly used to manage various conditions in pregnant women, particularly to prevent preterm labor. One significant risk associated with these medications is premature ductal closure in utero.

Indomethacin works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which play a crucial role in maintaining the patency of the ductus arteriosus, a vital blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta in the fetus. If the ductus arteriosus closes prematurely due to the effects of prostaglandin inhibitors, it can lead to serious consequences, including impaired fetal circulation and potential fetal heart complications. This closure can impact the fetal hemodynamics, leading to an inadequate supply of oxygenated blood to the tissues and organs, which is critical during fetal development.

In contrast, other options do not pose the same risk associated with the use of indomethacin. For example, increased fetal movement is not linked to the use of these medications; rather, reduced fetal movement might be observed in certain circumstances when fetal well-being is compromised. Similarly, reduced placental blood flow is not a direct result of indomethacin use, and while maternal administration of