Fertility risk for unborn babies found

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 published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

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 a body of evidence suggesting certain medicines should be used with caution during pregnancy.

“Think carefully before taking painkillers in pregnancy”

But scientists stressed the current advice for women – to limit the use of paracetamol and avoid ibuprofen – remains unchanged. Dr Rod Mitchell, who led the research at the University of Edinburgh, said: We would encourage women to think carefully before taking painkillers in pregnancy and to follow existing guidelines – taking the lowest possible dose for the shortest time possible.”

The study examined the effects of painkillers on human tissue samples of foetal testes and ovaries. Ovaries exposed to paracetamol for one week had more than 40% fewer egg-producing cells, and after ibuprofen exposure the number of cells was almost halved.

As girls produce all their eggs in the womb, those born with a reduced number of cells could experience an early menopause.

Testicular tissues exposed to paracetamol or ibuprofen in a culture dish had around a quarter fewer spermproducing cells.