Paracetamol in Pregnancy: No Link to Autism or ADHD
Paracetamol use During Pregnancy: No Convincing Link to Autism/ADHD
Table of Contents
A extensive review found no convincing evidence linking paracetamol (acetaminophen/Tylenol) use during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism or ADHD in children.
background & Controversy
The Trump administration previously urged pregnant women to avoid paracetamol, claiming a connection to rising autism rates, even advising them to “fight like hell” not to take it.
rising autism rates are likely due to increased awareness, improved diagnosis, and broadened diagnostic criteria, rather than a direct causal link to medications.
Review Methodology
Researchers analyzed nine previously published systematic reviews, encompassing 40 observational studies.
The quality of the reviewed studies was generally low to critically low.
Any apparent link was likely explained by family genetics and other pre-existing factors.
Medical Advice
Prof. Shakila Thangaratinam (University of Liverpool) states the existing evidence does *not* support a link between paracetamol and autism/ADHD.
Paracetamol is recommended for fever or pain during pregnancy,as high fever can be dangerous to the unborn baby. Ibuprofen is *not* recommended.