Research has revealed that painkillers could be harmful to an unborn child when taken by the mother during pregnancy
The study was carried out by researchers from Edinburgh University
According to the study, ovaries exposed to paracetamol for one week had more than 40% fewer egg-producing cells A new study has revealed that pregnant women who take painkillers could be harming the fertility of their unborn child, and even that of future generations.
Researchers from Edinburgh University looked at the effects of paracetamol and ibuprofen on samples of human foetal testes and ovaries, results indicated that ovaries exposed to paracetamol for one week had more than 40 per cent fewer egg-producing cells.
The effect of ibuprofen was even greater as the number of cells was almost halved. Monarch Girls produce all of their eggs in the womb, so if they are born with a reduced number it could lead to an early menopause, experts say.
The study showed that painkiller exposure during pregnancy could have effects on unborn boys as well. Testicular tissue exposed to the drugs had around a quarter fewer sperm-producing cells.
Scientists found that the drugs can trigger mechanisms in the cells that make changes in the structure of DNA, leaving “marks” that can be inherited. As a result, the effects of painkillers on fertility may be passed on to future generations.
The research team leader, Dr Rod Mitchell, said: “We could encourage women to think carefully before taking painkillers during pregnancy and to follow the existing guidelines
taking the lowest possible dose for the shortest time.
