Taking paracetamol during pregnancy may make grandchildren infertile

NEWS

A new study has found that women taking common painkillers such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen during pregnancy could make their grandchildren infertile.

COMMENT

These days, no woman should need reminding about the dangers presented by drugs taken during pregnancy. In the case of painkillers, research already shows that babies exposed to paracetamol are more likely to develop asthma and that the drug may also place unborn babies at risk by disrupting sex hormones. Other pharmaceuticals known to be particularly dangerous when taken during pregnancy include antibiotics, statins, and a class of epilepsy medications known as valproates.

To learn about the importance of ensuring a proper supply of synergistic micronutrients during pregnancy, read parts one and two of the special pregnancy feature article on our website.