A major new review has concluded that taking paracetamol (known as acetaminophen in the US) during pregnancy is safe, and it does not increase the risk of autism, ADHD, or developmental issues in children. This finding directly counters previous claims made by former US President Donald Trump, who suggested that paracetamol should be avoided by pregnant women.
The review, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health, analyzed 43 high-quality studies involving hundreds of thousands of women. Researchers emphasized that their analysis effectively accounts for external factors by comparing siblings from the same family, reducing bias and strengthening the reliability of their conclusions.
Lead study author Professor Asma Khalil stated, When we did this analysis, we found no links; there was no association, there's no evidence that paracetamol increases the risk of autism. She reinforced that paracetamol remains the first-line medication recommended for pregnant women experiencing pain or fever.
The scrutiny surrounding paracetamol intensified following Trump's controversial remarks suggesting a potential connection between the drug and autism, which drew global criticism from medical experts. Health officials in the US and UK continue to assert that paracetamol is the safest painkiller during pregnancy, notwithstanding ongoing concerns raised by some experts about its use.
Experts not involved in the study have welcomed its findings, highlighting its potential to alleviate the stress and anxiety faced by expectant mothers worried about the implications of taking common medications during pregnancy. The message from this comprehensive research is clear: there is no evidence supporting the harmful effects of paracetamol on fetal development when used appropriately.
