Painkillers could harm the unborn

WOMEN who take painkillers during pregnancy could be harming the fertility of their unborn child, research has found.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen were found to reduce the number of cells which later become eggs or sperm in babies, according to a study in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal.

Painkillers may also affect the fertility of future generations by triggering changes in the structure of DNA which can be inherited, the research found.

The findings add to evidence suggesting certain medicines should be used with caution during pregnancy. However, scientists stressed the current advice for women – to limit the use of paracetamol and avoid ibuprofen – remains unchanged.