The gynaecologists told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that such drugs could lower certain hormones in the unborn, especially boys.
Dr Adedayo Olakunle, a gyneacologist at the White Waters Hospital, Ikorodu, said that these drugs could lower the testosterone’’ in unborn boys when taken in excess.
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles and is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics.
Testosterone is also important for maintaining muscle bulk, adequate levels of red blood cells, bone growth, a sense of well-being, and sexual function.
Pain killer drugs have the potential to reduce testosterone production in the developing testes of the male embryo.
The excessive intake of these drugs also comes with an increased risk of hidden testicles in male babies and this may affect their fertility later in future.
While Paracetamol appears to have side effects on the developing embryo, the fever it is suppressing could also be harmful to the embryo.
Expectant mothers should take painkillers at the lowest dosage for the shortest possible time as they could also cause damage to the liver,’’ Olakunle told NAN.
According to him, every pregnant woman should learn to take enough rest when their body aches instead of using painkillers always.
Olakunle advised expectant mothers to avoid using Over-The- Counter (OTC) drugs without prescription.
Another gynaecologist, Dr Oriola Idris of the Rains Hospital in Ikorodu, said that excessive intake of painkillers during pregnancy could result to miscarriage.
These painkillers when taken in excess may interfere with the hormones that are important in inducing labour.
Any pregnant woman who needs pain relief for longer than a day should consult her doctor because the pain or fever, especially in pregnancy needs to be addressed properly.
They are advised to run tests for the actual diagnoses of the cause of the fever, while prompt and appropriate medication or management is recommended,’’ Idris said.
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