Taking Paracetamol While Pregnant Could Harm Daughter's Fertility: Study

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Mothers who drink paracetamol during pregnancy might reduce their baby girl's fertility rate in their adult life, a new study suggested.

Experts from the University of Edinburgh did their research on lab rats, which were given paracetamol painkillers while pregnant. The female offspring from these rats were found to have smaller ovaries, fewer eggs and smaller babies when they got pregnant as adults. The experts made the comparison against offsprings who were not exposed to the painkillers, per Eurekalert.

The research also showed that male offsprings also developed fewer cells in their sperm. However, as these babies matured into adulthood, their fertility levels recovered to the normal rate. The experts acknowledged that, while there is a slight difference in fetal development in humans and rats, there are plenty of similarities too.

"It's important to remember that this study was conducted in rats, not humans. However, there are many similarities between the two reproductive systems," said co-study author Richard Sharpe via Telegraph. "We now need to understand how these drugs affect a baby's reproductive development in the womb so that we can further understand their full effect."

Independent reported that the experts believe the painkillers affect how germ cells, which later develop to sperm and egg cells, grow in the womb. They concluded that it can change the composition of the prostaglandins, the hormone that controls ovulation and menstrual cycles.

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen with brand names like Tylenol, is generally considered as a safe medication for pain relief among pregnant women. In fact, The American Pregnancy Association, FitPregnancy and WebMD cited acetaminophen as safe for treating headaches, fever and other pregnancy pain.

However, the new findings suggested careful evaluation on how moms heavy child should take the medication. As much as possible, any form of drugs -- regardless if it's safe --- must not be taken in the first trimester of the pregnancy. But, if unavoidable, the drugs must be in its lowest doses and taken at the shortest amount of time to minimize any risks.

"These studies involved the use of painkillers over a relatively long period. We now need to explore whether a shorter dose would have a similar effect, and how this information can be usefully translated to human use," added Sharpe.

Previous studies on painkillers have already determined that it does impact the development of the baby's reproductive system. Back in 2015, University of Edinburgh also conducted a similar study linking paracetamol use in moms with male babies. It suggested that the painkillers can lower the baby's testosterones, per The Guardian.