Paracetamol use in pregnancy may increase children’s risk of autism and ADHD, new research claims

Paracetamol, one of the most commonly used painkillers for headaches, stomach aches and other minor ailments, may pose risks for pregnant women, according to new research.

A study published in BMC Environmental Health on August 14 suggests that children exposed to acetaminophen, the drug’s active ingredient, also known as paracetamol in the UK and Tylenol in the US, during pregnancy may face a higher likelihood of developing neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism or ADHD.

Researchers analysed 46 previous studies, drawing on data from more than 100,000 participants, to investigate the link. They found evidence suggesting that babies exposed to the drug in the womb could be at greater risk of NDDs. However, the study does not conclude that taking paracetamol directly causes autism or ADHD.

In the UK, paracetamol is widely regarded as safe during pregnancy, with the NHS stating: “Paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you’re pregnant. It’s commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby.”

The researchers acknowledged the importance of paracetamol in treating maternal fever and pain, both of which can also harm unborn children. However, they urged moderation. “We recommend judicious acetaminophen use, lowest effective dose, shortest duration, under medical guidance. We also recommend use tailored to individual risk-benefit assessments, rather than a broad limitation,” the study authors wrote.

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition that affects communication, behaviour and social interaction, while ADHD is characterised by challenges with concentration, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

The findings follow a separate study published in Nature Mental Health in February, which also linked foetal exposure to acetaminophen with an increased likelihood of ADHD. Previous research shows that more than 70 per cent of pregnant women use acetaminophen during pregnancy to relieve pain or reduce fever.

The latest study, led by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in collaboration with the University of Washington School of Medicine and with senior authorship from Andrea Baccarelli of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, employed the Navigation Guide Systematic Review methodology, a recognised framework for evaluating environmental health data.

The results have prompted calls for doctors to reconsider how paracetamol is prescribed during pregnancy, while balancing the risks of untreated pain and fever in expectant mothers.