Paracetamol Use in Pregnancy Linked to Uterus and Ovary Changes

A recent study published in Human Reproduction Open suggests that taking paracetamol during pregnancy could impact the reproductive health of female offspring. Researchers examined data from 685 women in their first trimester, tracking their medication use through bi-weekly reports and urine samples.

Among the participants, 302 baby girls were examined at an average age of 106 days. Infants exposed to the painkiller in utero showed smaller ovaries, fewer ovarian follicles, smaller uteruses, and lower reproductive hormone levels compared to unexposed infants.

“Whether the differences observed in the study of infants have implications for fertility later in life and age at menopause will require long-term follow-up.”

Study leader Margit Bistrup Fischer from Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen emphasized that the observational study does not prove a direct causal link or indicate immediate effects on future fertility. Long-term follow-up is necessary to determine whether these differences affect future fertility or the timing of menopause.

Experts note that a woman's entire egg supply is established in the womb, and depletion of this supply leads to menopause. While animal studies previously suggested such effects, human data had been lacking until now.

Christian De Geyter from the University Hospital Basel stated that current recommendations for paracetamol use during pregnancy should be reviewed. However, researchers advised women not to panic, noting that none of the mothers exceeded the recommended daily maximum dose of 4,000 milligrams.

According to The Straits Times, U.S. President Donald Trump has linked prenatal Tylenol use to autism, a claim widely dismissed by health organizations for lacking scientific backing.