Paracetamol use in pregnancy

Research conducted by scientists at the University of Edinburgh and published in the journal Science Translational Medicine has indicated that there may be a link between prolonged paracetamol use during pregnancy and reduced levels of testosterone in male foetuses.  The study, which was conducted on mice, showed that testosterone levels were unaffected after one day’s dose, but that a seven day’s course of paracetamol lowered testosterone levels by 45%.

However, experts urge caution in responding to these results, suggesting that more research is needed and that taking paracetamol to reduce a fever, which can also be harmful during pregnancy, is important.

Dr Sadaf Ghaem-Maghami, Chair of the RCOG Scientific Advisory Committee said: “This is a robust piece of research, however, it is important to note that the study was carried out in animal models and it is not possible to translate the findings into a recommendation regarding what would be safe or unsafe in pregnant women….We recommend that pregnant women continue to follow current guidance and take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time when necessary. If the recommended dose of paracetamol doesn’t control your symptoms or pain, please seek advice from your midwife, GP or obstetrician.”

The Tommy’s Midwives facebook page also released a statement regarding this research, which said: “We would just like to put our pennies worth in and reassure any woman who may have had to take paracetamol in pregnancy should not be overly worried from this research! This is just a finding and it has clearly been identified that more research is needed before these findings are conclusive. The advice regarding paracetamol use in pregnancy is still to follow current guidelines – painkillers should be taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.”

Read and BBC report of the research here

Read the Tommy’s Midwife response here

and the RCOG statement here