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Paracetamol Safe in Pregnancy: Autism Link Debunked
17 Jan
Summary
- Paracetamol use in pregnancy does not raise autism risk.
- A comprehensive review analyzed over 400,000 children.
- Untreated maternal fever poses greater risks than paracetamol.
A significant "gold standard" review of scientific evidence has definitively concluded that taking paracetamol during pregnancy does not elevate the risk of a child developing autism, ADHD, or an intellectual disability. This rigorous analysis, encompassing data from over 400,000 children, debunks previous controversial claims and aims to reassure expectant mothers.
The study, conducted by a team of European researchers led by Professor Asma Khalil from City, University of London, meticulously appraised 43 previous studies. Their findings directly contradict statements made by Donald Trump last September, which had caused considerable anxiety among pregnant women worldwide, as paracetamol is the globally recommended pain and fever reliever for this group.
Experts highlight that avoiding paracetamol for significant pain or fever during pregnancy can introduce known risks, such as untreated maternal fever, which poses a greater danger to both mother and fetus. The review suggests that familial and genetic factors are more plausible explanations for any observed associations with neurodevelopmental conditions.
