Paracetamol, one of the world’s most widely used painkillers for headaches, stomach aches, and minor ailments, may carry risks for pregnant women, new research suggests.
A study published on August 14 in BMC Environmental Health found that children exposed to acetaminophen (known as paracetamol in the UK and Tylenol in the US) in the womb could face an increased risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The findings are based on a review of 46 prior studies, covering data from more than 100,000 participants. While researchers noted a possible link between prenatal exposure and NDDs, they emphasized that the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between paracetamol use and these conditions.
In the UK, paracetamol is still considered the safest pain relief option during pregnancy, with the NHS advising: “Paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you're pregnant. It's commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby.”
The authors acknowledged the drug’s importance in managing fever and pain during pregnancy—both of which can themselves endanger fetal health. However, they advised caution: “We recommend careful, limited use—lowest effective dose, shortest possible duration, and always under medical guidance—tailored to individual risk-benefit considerations.”
Autism spectrum disorder affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour, while ADHD is characterised by hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulty focusing.
The study echoes similar findings published in Nature Mental Health in February, which also linked fetal exposure to acetaminophen with a higher risk of ADHD. Prior research indicates that over 70% of pregnant women use paracetamol to ease pain or reduce fever.
This latest work, led by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in collaboration with the University of Washington School of Medicine and senior researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, applied the Navigation Guide Systematic Review methodology, a respected framework for assessing environmental health data.
The results have sparked debate over whether prescribing guidelines for paracetamol in pregnancy should be reconsidered, with experts stressing the need to balance maternal health needs against potential developmental risks for children.
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