Doliprane, Dafalgan, Actifed, Efferalgan, Fervex, Humex, Tramadol, Migralgine … Medicines containing paracetamol are many. But for a few years now, researchers have been warning pregnant women against the side effects of this pain-relieving molecule (a “step I analgesic”, according to the WHO classification) on the baby.
It was already known that this active substance could harm the fertility of girls and boys by acting on hormonal secretions, or even causing motor and language disorders by disrupting the development of the fetus. Now, according to a new study conducted jointly by British and Swedish researchers, excess paracetamol could also cause asthma in children.
The most careful: avoid self-medication during pregnancy
To come to this conclusion, the scientists worked from medical data concerning 114,500 children: these detailed the conditions of pregnancy, the state of health of the children at 3 and 7 years and the state of health. from the mother during gestation and after childbirth.
5.7% of children had asthma at 3 years, 5.1% at 7 years. After analysis, the researchers discovered a statistical link between the consumption of paracetamol during pregnancy and the development of asthma from the age of 3 years. “This conclusion is independent of the state of health of the parents and the growing environment of the child” specify the scientists, whose work has been published in the scientific journal International Journal of Epidemiology.
From what dose do we consider that there is a risk for the child? Experts from the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) recommend not to exceed 4 g per day, or one tablet every 6 hours. In general, it is safer to avoid self-medication during pregnancy, and to refer to your general practitioner in case of doubt.
