Current evidence shows no link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or intellectual disabilities, according to a new international review.
The study, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health, comes after controversial remarks by US President Donald Trump in September. He warned of a “meteoric rise” in autism cases and suggested that Tylenol—known as paracetamol in Ireland—could be a contributing factor. Trump recommended that pregnant women avoid the medication, prompting criticism from scientists and autism campaigners.
Researchers conducted a systematic review of existing studies, searching databases for research comparing pregnancies with and without paracetamol exposure. The team also examined medical outcomes reported in validated questionnaires and records, while accounting for other maternal health conditions and treatments.
A total of 43 studies were included in the review, with 17 studies incorporated into a meta-analysis, a method that combines findings from multiple sources. The research also considered sibling comparison studies, which evaluate outcomes in children born to the same mother, with paracetamol taken in one pregnancy but not the other.
The findings show that exposure to paracetamol during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. “Current evidence does not indicate a clinically important increase in the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children of pregnant individuals who use paracetamol as directed,” the authors wrote.
Professor Asma Khalil, consultant obstetrician and lead author of the study from St George’s Hospital, London, said the findings send a clear message to pregnant individuals. “We found no clinically important increase in risk among children where the mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy. Paracetamol remains the first-line treatment we recommend for pain or fever, consistent with guidelines from national and international bodies,” she said.
Gráinne McAlonan, Professor of Translational Neuroscience at King’s College London, described the study as “thorough and clear.” She noted that sibling comparison studies were particularly important in accounting for family history. “This confirmed there is no relationship between taking paracetamol in pregnancy and a higher likelihood of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities,” she said.
The new research aims to reassure expectant mothers who may have been concerned by last year’s claims. McAlonan said: “Expectant mothers do not need the stress of questioning whether medicine most commonly used for a headache could have far-reaching effects on their child’s health. I hope the findings of this study bring the matter to a close.”
The study provides further confirmation that paracetamol, when used as directed, is safe for pregnant women and remains a widely recommended treatment option for managing pain and fever during pregnancy.
