The maternal intake of acetaminophen also known as paracetamol which is widely used to reduce a high fever or relieve pain saw a reduction in the intelligence quotient level along with increasing language delay, defined as the use of lesser than 50 words, by the kids. Thus Pregnant women who take an increased amount of acetaminophen are six times more likely to see a delay in their daughters' language skills, warns a new study.

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Crocin, Calpol and hundreds of over-the-counter and prescription medicines.  The communication delay affected boys at the same time, but was more prevalent among the girls, the study showed. 

"Given the prevalence of prenatal acetaminophen use and the importance of language development, our findings, if replicated, suggest that pregnant women should limit their use of this analgesic during pregnancy," said Shanna Swan, Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, US. 

"It's important for us to look at language development because it has shown to be predictive of other neurodevelopmental problems in children," Swan added.

The study, published in the journal European Psychiatry, examined 754 women, who were in eight-13 weeks of pregnancy. Researchers asked participants to report the number of acetaminophen tablets they had taken between conception and enrollment and tested the acetaminophen concentration in their urine at enrollment. Both the number of tablets and concentration in urine were associated with a significant increase in language delay in girls, with a slight decrease in boys. 

Previous studies have found that the overexposure to the pain-relieving drug during pregnancy also damages the fertility of the daughters.

In conclusion, While it is OK to take medication for certain ailments and especially if it has been prescribed by your doctor, But, don't over-medicate yourself. Remember there is another life growing inside you. Always consult your Physician before you take any medication. 

Reference : https://www.news18.com/news/indiwo/parenting-and-family-paracetamol-in-pregnancy-may-delay-daughters-language-skills-1628925.html

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