A study has found that taking paracetamol during pregnancy could affect the fertility of your unborn child.
According to The Independent, researchers at the University of Edinburgh’s MRC Centre for Reproductive Health gave a number of pregnant rats both paracetamol and indomethacin.
It was discovered that their female offspring had smaller ovaries and fewer eggs than those produced by rats who didn’t consume the painkillers. As for the male offspring, they had fewer cells that give rise to sperm (however this reached normal levels when the animals reached adulthood).
Speaking about the findings, published in the journal of Scientific Reports, co-leader of the study Professor Richard Sharpe said: “It’s important to remember that this study was conducted in rats, not humans. However, there are many similarities between the two reproductive systems.”
It was also noted by his colleague and co-author Professor Richard Anderson that during the experiment, the painkillers were used over a long period and more research would be needed to examine the effects of shorter doses as well as human use.
In other words, there is no scientific evidence yet to confirm that the impact is the same in humans and pregnant women should still seek medical advice if they are experiencing pain.
In general, it is advised that the use of paracetamol – which is considered to be a safe treatment for pain relief during pregnancy – and other painkillers is kept to a minimum and used only when necessary.
