Paracetamol in pregnancy linked to smaller ovaries and uterus in daughters, study finds
Study finds smaller ovarian and uterine volumes, fewer follicles and lower reproductive hormones in daughters after maternal paracetamol use.
A new observational study from researchers at Copenhagen University Hospital links maternal paracetamol use during pregnancy with measurable changes in the reproductive organs of their daughters.
Paracetamol is the most commonly used pain reliever in pregnancy, and the question of its safety returned to public attention after recent controversies about a possible link between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism, especially in the United States.
The study, published in Human Reproduction Open, found that girls whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy had smaller ovaries and uteri, fewer ovarian follicles and lower reproductive hormone levels at three months of age — differences that the authors say could potentially affect fertility later in life. Use in early pregnancy, before the 17th week, was associated with about a 40 percent smaller ovarian volume and a 13 percent smaller uterine volume in the girls. Use in later pregnancy was associated with 23 percent fewer follicles in the ovaries.
Dose–response relationship
The analysis also showed a dose–response pattern: higher exposure to paracetamol corresponded with more pronounced anatomical differences. The researchers noted that the women in the study took relatively small amounts of paracetamol, and none exceeded the recommended maximum daily dose of 4,000 milligrams.
The team, led by Margit Bistrup Fischer, pointed out that their findings are consistent with previous animal research demonstrating reduced fertility and a shortened reproductive span in female offspring after maternal paracetamol exposure. At the same time, experts have urged caution, criticizing the study’s methods and warning the results may be biased or exaggerated.
The authors emphasized that this is an observational study and does not prove causation. They said long-term follow-up would be needed to determine whether the observed differences actually translate into impaired fertility or changes in the timing of menopause.
Photo: press material from the event
