Why it's not a good idea to take paracetamol during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman should be careful with the medications she takes, especially if she does so without medical supervision. Among these medications, paracetamol is subject to review, and there is research showing its harmful effects during this stage.

Paracetamol (or acetaminophen) should only be used during pregnancy on medical advice and at the lowest dose for the shortest possible time. , according to a consensus statement by experts published in the latest issue of Nature Reviews Endocrinology .

The authors of a study are advocating for further research into how the popular drug might, among other things, affect fetal development or reduce fertility .

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Paracetamol is frequently used during pregnancy, and is estimated to be used by up to 65% of pregnant women in the United States and more than 50% in the rest of the world. .

However, there are increasing numbers of studies that suggest that Prenatal exposure to this drug could alter fetal development and increase the risk of certain neurological, reproductive, and urogenital disorders. .

Study co-leader David Kristensen of the University of Copenhagen and colleagues from other US academic centers conducted a review of animal- and cell-based research and human epidemiology related to acetaminophen use during pregnancy published between January 1, 1995, and October 25, 2020.

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The epidemiological findings are supported by experimental studies showing adverse effects in animals and cell models .

In a virtual meeting, Kristensen noted that "data suggests that more than 50% of women worldwide use this medication during pregnancy," which is available over-the-counter to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever.

"Many of these women don't consider it a real medication with potential side effects," she said.

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The expert considered that "it is important to keep in mind that this drug is recommended during pregnancy by regulatory agencies, unlike other medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, and is not contraindicated for late pregnancy."

Yes, it is recommended in cases of "high fever or severe pain" in pregnant women .

For her part, Shanna Swan, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, stressed that "we now know that acetaminophen is an endocrine-disrupting chemical" and noted that there is "significant evidence to suggest that (acetaminophen) disrupts reproductive processes in animals and humans."

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Experts suggest that pregnant women receive advice in the early stages of pregnancy and not take paracetamol unless specifically indicated by a doctor. ; they urge consultation with a professional if it is intended to be used long-term and urge people to minimize risk by taking the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible period.

With information from EFE

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