Pregnant women who take over the counter painkiller ibuprofen could harm the fertility of their unborn baby girl; a new study warns.
Taking the tablets for as little as two days within the first three months could lead to a short period of fertility, early menopause or infertility in the girls that grow up.
The study suggests that the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug taken in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy may reduce the store of eggs in the ovaries of their daughters in the womb.
This is the first study to suggest that ibuprofen exposure during the first trimester could affect foetal development, and scientists said the findings have raised concerns about the long-term effects of ibuprofen on the future fertility of these unborn girls.
GALLERY: This is what your pregnancy cravings mean...
Pregnancy cravings SLIDER
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Salty pregnancy cravings
Cravings for salt are quite obvious – usually, your body is crying out for some sodium. It can be a sign of stress – if you're stressed out, your body will be producing more adrenaline, and the adrenal glands need minerals to function properly. Salt cravings can also be an indication of low blood pressure, which can be common in the early stages of pregnancy.Plain rice with a tiny bit of soy sauce is a good option, as it's a complex carbohydrate that'll keep you fuller for longer. If you do go for crisps, try the lighter varieties that are lower in saturated fat and salt. As a rule, though, if you can see the grains of salt, there's too much on there!
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Sweet pregnancy cravings
Cravings for sugary foods are probably the most obvious – what with morning sickness, low moods and health problems, you're likely to be feeling a bit run down! Subseqeuntly, you'll be craving foods that'll give you a quick boost: simple carbohydrates like sweets, chocolate or white bread.Protein-rich foods (like eggs, dairy and meat) can help banish sweet cravings; they keep you fuller for longer, which can be great if you're battling long periods of nausea and can't stomach a lot of food. If you really need a sugar fix, though, go for fruit first – frozen berries can be great if you're craving ice cream, and exotic fruit like dried mango can be a good substitute for jelly sweets. If all you can think about is chocolate, go for the dark variety – it contains antioxidants that can boost the immune system, and there's less sugar.
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Spicy pregnancy cravings
Spicy food causes the body to release small amounts of endorphins (the same feel-good hormones you release when exercising), so maybe your hormones are making you feel a bit down.Spicy food isn't really bad for you – a vegetable curry, some chicken tikka or maybe a Mexican wrap with hot salsa aren't exactly weight-gain inducing. Just don't overdo it; your digestive system might not forgive you!
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Non-specific pregnancy cravings
Sometimes, you just get the urge to eat anything and everything around you. This could be due to feeling down (thanks to yet more hormonal changes) or just feeling bored. Whatever your reasons, we can't vouch enough for knowing the difference between genuine hunger and emotional hunger.If you really need to consume something, try a hot or cold drink first. The temperature might distract your brain for a while, and ice has been a popular craving antidote among pregnant ladies for years – to the extent that, nowadays, ice lollies are the number 1 odd craving among mums-to-be!If there's literally nothing else that'll satisfy your craving, just go for it. Pregnancy is one time not to skimp on calories. In fact, you need an extra 300 calories a day to ensure a healthy baby.The only way you could be harmed by a craving is if you're only eating the food you crave – and therefore depriving your body of other nutrients.
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Sour pregnancy cravings
Sour cravings could be linked to your digestive health, as they cause your mouth to produce a lot of saliva, which kick-starts digestion.Lemons ranked third in a recent study of unusual cravings, so something with a sharp citrus flavour could be just the ticket. Before you reach for the Haribo SourMix, though, try lemon sorbet, which is made with fruit juice and has less than 100 calories per serving. Alternatively, a citrus-based fruit salad or a glass of fruit squash could work wonders for your cravings.
Lead scientist Dr Séverine Mazaud-Guittot said: “Baby girls are born with a finite number of follicles in their ovaries and this defines their future reproductive capacity as adults.
“A poorly stocked initial reserve will result in a shortened reproductive life span, early menopause or infertility – all events that occur decades later in life.
“The development of the follicles in the foetus has not been completed by the end of the first trimester, so if the ibuprofen treatment is short then we can we can expect the ovarian reserve to recover to some extent. However, we found that two to seven days of exposure to ibuprofen dramatically reduced the germ cell stockpile in human foetal ovaries during the first trimester of pregnancy and the ovaries did not recover fully from this damage.”
It is currently estimated that three in ten women take the painkiller in the first three months of pregnancy.
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What does the NHS say about ibuprofen during pregnancy?
The NHS advises women to avoid taking ibuprofen during pregnancy, and recommends Paracetamol as a safer choice. Before 30 weeks, ibuprofen has been linked to an increased risk of complications, including miscarriage. After 30 weeks, the complications include heart problems in the baby and a reduced amount of amniotic fluid.
The NHS advises that you check with your doctor or midwife before taking ibuprofen when pregnant.
What if I’ve already taken ibuprofen during pregnancy?
If you are after 30 weeks pregnant and have taken ibuprofen, speak to your midwife or doctor, who will usually asses your baby’s wellbeing in the womb to ensure nothing is wrong.
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