According to an Israeli study, the metoclopramide drug - used largely for treating gastrointestinal (GI) problems in pregnant women, to combat the nausea or morning sickness symptoms - is safe for use during pregnancy, as it does not increase in the risk of premature delivery, birth defects, low birth weight or fetal death.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine's June 11 issue, largely used data from Israel's biggest health maintenance organization. The research team led by Ilan Matok, of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, observed 3,458 women who took metoclopramide and 78,245 who did not; and later compared the results.

The researchers found that there was no noticeable increase in fetal deaths or malformations in the babies of women who took metoclopramide vis-a-vis the others. Metoclopramide, mostly taken during the first trimester of the pregnancy, helps relieve nausea and morning sickness, and is widely used by pregnant women in Israel and some European countries.

Commenting on the findings of the study, which pertain to the short-term use to the metoclopramide drug, senior author Amalia Levy, a senior lecturer in epidemiology at Ben-Gurion, said: "It appears that metoclopramide is safe for short-term use to control GI problems in pregnant women when used as prescribed. Physicians are reassured about the safety of metoclopramide use in pregnancy in recommended doses."