started · updated
Paracetamol use in pregnancy linked to reproductive organ changes in girls
A Danish study published in Human Reproduction Open suggests that paracetamol use during pregnancy may be linked to altered reproductive organ development in female offspring. Research led by Margit Bistrup Fischer at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen observed that three-month-old girls whose mothers were exposed to the medication in utero exhibited smaller ovaries, smaller uteri, and fewer ovarian follicles compared to unexposed infants.
The study noted that exposure occurring before the 17th week of pregnancy was associated with a 40 percent reduction in ovarian volume and a 13 percent reduction in uterine volume. Additionally, girls exposed early in pregnancy showed lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, a marker for egg reserves. While these findings align with previous animal studies suggesting potential impacts on fertility and menopause timing, researchers emphasized that this is an observational study and does not prove a causal link.
Experts, including Christian De Geyter from the University Hospital Basel, have noted the significance of these findings, suggesting that current recommendations for paracetamol use during pregnancy may need revision. However, other medical professionals advise caution, noting that untreated fever during pregnancy also poses significant risks to fetal development.
Entities
Christian De Geyter · Human Reproduction Open · Margit Bistrup Fischer · Rigshospitalet · University Hospital Basel
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 23 SOURCES] Paracetamol use during pregnancy may influence the fertility and timing of menopause in female offspring. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · courage-lounge.de · www.halternerzeitung.de · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.stimberg-zeitung.de · +15 more
- [● 24 SOURCES] Three-month-old girls whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy showed smaller ovaries, fewer follicles, smaller uteri, and lower reproductive hormone levels. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · courage-lounge.de · www.halternerzeitung.de · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.stimberg-zeitung.de · +16 more
- [● 16 SOURCES] The researchers analyzed data from 685 women during the first trimester of pregnancy. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · courage-lounge.de · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.finanzen.net · www.halternerzeitung.de · +10 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] The study is an observational analysis and does not prove a causal link. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · courage-lounge.de · www.halternerzeitung.de · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.stimberg-zeitung.de · +13 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] Recommendations for the use of paracetamol during pregnancy should be revised due to these findings. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · courage-lounge.de · www.halternerzeitung.de · www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.stimberg-zeitung.de · +5 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Girls exposed to paracetamol earlier in pregnancy had lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone. mediabites.com.pk · thecurrent.pk · www.jutarnji.hr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Infant girls exposed to paracetamol in the womb had an average ovarian volume 41 percent smaller than those not exposed. www.tvmidtvest.dk · mediabites.com.pk · thecurrent.pk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Infant boys exposed to paracetamol in the womb had testicles that were on average eight percent smaller. www.tvmidtvest.dk · mediabites.com.pk