Study Does Not Prove That Paracetamol Use During Pregnancy Harms Fertility
Current recommendations remain unchanged: paracetamol remains the preferred treatment for pain and fever during pregnancy. Leaving a fever or persistent pain untreated may also carry risks for both mother and baby.
A recent Danish study found some differences in characteristics of the ovaries and uterus among daughters whose mothers used paracetamol during pregnancy. Online, these findings are sometimes interpreted as evidence that paracetamol use during pregnancy may harm the future fertility of girls. However, this conclusion cannot be drawn from the study.
Why can't such a conclusion be drawn?
The study cannot prove that paracetamol caused the observed differences. Other factors may have played a role, including the underlying reasons for taking paracetamol, such as pain or fever. In addition, the study population was relatively small. As a result, the findings may be due to chance and do not support firm conclusions.
Fertility itself was not studied
The study did not investigate whether the girls develop fertility problems in later life. The authors themselves emphasize that the clinical relevance of the findings is uncertain and that further research is needed.
Paracetamol recommendations remain unchanged
This study highlights the need for further research, but it does not provide evidence that paracetamol use during pregnancy harms the future fertility of girls.