Paracetamol in pregnancy - safe dose and possible effects on the fetus

 Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a medication used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It is widely used by pregnant women as it is considered safe when used as directed

1

2

. However, emerging evidence suggests that intrauterine paracetamol exposure may be associated with certain urogenital/reproductive disorders in the offspring

3

. Here are some key points from the search results regarding the safe dose and possible effects of paracetamol on the fetus during pregnancy:Safe dose:

• Paracetamol is believed to have no significant adverse effects on the fetus at the recommended dose and duration
  3
  2
  .
• It is recommended that women who are pregnant use the lowest dose of paracetamol that works, only for as long as needed
  2
  .

Possible effects on the fetus:

• Emerging evidence suggests that intrauterine paracetamol exposure may be associated with certain urogenital/reproductive disorders in the offspring
  3
  .
• Prenatal exposure to paracetamol might alter fetal development, which could increase the risks of certain neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and urogenital disorders
  1
  .
• A recent study identified the third trimester as a critical period where paracetamol intake was prospectively associated with a lower frequency of hematopoietic stem cells in cord blood
  4
  .
• Excessive consumption of paracetamol during pregnancy can have consequences from infancy to adolescence, including minor neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and reproductive and urogenital disorders
  5
  .
• It is recommended that pregnant women use paracetamol when it is medically indicated, and should not use it for minor ailments such as back pain. When it is necessary, it should be taken in the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time
  5
  .

1

nature

2

medicinesinpregnancy

3

nih

4

nih

5

clinicbarcelona