Taking paracetamol while pregnant is safe and there's no evidence it raises the risk of autism, ADHD, and developmental issues in children, says experts behind a major new review.
Pregnant women should feel reassured by the findings, which contradict controversial claims from former US President Donald Trump that paracetamol is no good and pregnant women should fight like hell not to take it.
His views were criticized at the time by medical organizations worldwide. Experts maintain that this latest review, published in The Lancet journal, is rigorous and should end the debate over its safety.
However, US health officials continue to express concern regarding paracetamol use during pregnancy. The President's claims shocked many doctors and led to confusion among women, prompting this new research.
The study analyzed 43 robust studies involving hundreds of thousands of women, particularly comparing pregnancies where the mother had taken the drug to those where she hadn't, dismissing other factors like genes and family environments that could affect outcomes.
Lead study author Professor Asma Khalil noted, 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 emphasized that paracetamol remains a safe option during pregnancy when taken as guided.
This reinforces guidance from major medical organizations in the UK, US, and Europe regarding the safety of the common painkiller. Health advice indicates that women may risk harm to their baby by not taking paracetamol for high temperatures or pain relief, which could increase risks of miscarriage, premature birth, or developmental problems.
Medical experts welcomed the study's findings, with hopes it will ease concerns among pregnant women and clarify the safety of this widely used medication.
