Unborn baby boys could be greatly harmed by paracetamol, a new study has revealed.
Paracetamol is the only painkiller deemed safe in pregnancy, however several studies have suggested it interferes with the development of the male reproductive system while still in the womb.
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On the heels of the study, pregnant women were warned that taking paracetamol could have life-long effects on baby boys, raising their risk of everything from infertility to cancer.
In a report published in Science Translational Medicine, Edinburgh University researchers said that if the tablets are taken, they should be used in the lowest possible dose, for the shortest possible time, while the Royal College of Midwives said mothers-to-be should seek medical advice before taking paracetamol at all.
Thus, the child could be at a higher risk of a range of problems from genital birth defects to infertility and testicular cancer.
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It's also been discovered that women who take paracetamol during pregnancy may increase the risk of their child developing(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) ADH.
Collecting data from a study of 871 European infants, the researchers analysed the drug use of paracetamol, aspirin, antacids, and antibiotics during pregnancy. They then measured behavioural difficulties and ADHD symptoms in children at age 7 and age 11.
Almost half of the study mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy and their children were more at risk of behavioural difficulties and ADHD.
The other drugs however caused no significant differences in behaviour.
