Paracetamol exposure in womb associated with reduced reproductive organ size in infants
A Danish study of about 300 infant girls found that those whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy had smaller ovaries on average, and a similar association was seen for testes in boys. The researchers caution that this does not prove causation, as the underlying reasons for taking the drug or chance could explain the link. It remains unclear whether smaller organ size in infancy affects later fertility, and current medical advice still recommends paracetamol for high fever or severe pain during pregnancy.
The research tracked 685 expectant mothers from their first trimester, with follow-up ultrasounds and postnatal exams for 302 daughters and their male counterparts. Findings included notable volumetric reductions in reproductive organs and fewer ovarian follicles, with dose-dependent effects observed.
Prior experiments on rodents, isolated human tissue, and embryonic cells produced similar outcomes, and a separate Danish cohort of adolescent girls showed a comparable link. However, the researchers stress that the association might stem from the underlying ailments prompting painkiller use, and long-term fertility consequences remain unestablished.
The findings could prompt expectant mothers to reconsider routine paracetamol use for minor discomforts, fostering more detailed discussions with clinicians about non-drug alternatives like rest or heat therapy. While the study may raise anxiety among pregnant women, it also underscores the importance of weighing the established risks of untreated severe fever against the uncertain, potential long-term reproductive effects. Ultimately, this research may refine clinical guidance, encouraging more judicious prescribing without necessarily overturning current safety recommendations.