Paracetamol Use During Pregnancy: Current Research and Medical Guidance
Recent attention has been focused on the potential link between paracetamol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders in children,prompting lawsuits against manufacturers like Kenvue (Tylenol). Though, current research presents a complex and frequently enough contradictory picture.
What Does the Research Say?
Studies investigating a connection between paracetamol and conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have yielded varying results.
A large 2024 Swedish study, analyzing data from nearly 2.5 million children, found no causal connection between prenatal paracetamol exposure and neurological developmental disorders.
Conversely, a 2025 review of 46 earlier studies, conducted by researchers from institutions including the ICAHN school of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Harvard University, suggested a possible association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and an increased risk of these disorders. Though, the researchers emphasized that this review did not prove causation. They advised pregnant women to continue using paracetamol when necessary, but at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
Further research from europe and Japan in 2025 indicates that observed correlations between paracetamol use and neurological progress may be influenced by confounding factors such as parental genetics, health, environmental conditions, and the use of other medications.
Medical Guidelines for Pregnant Women
Leading medical organizations,including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the British Royal College of Obstetricians and gynecologists,recommend paracetamol as the first-line treatment for pain and fever during pregnancy.
These organizations caution against the use of ibuprofen, naproxen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the third trimester. ACOG advises pregnant women to consult their doctor before taking any medication.
Risks of Untreated Fever and pain During Pregnancy
Allowing fever and pain to go untreated during pregnancy carries meaningful risks. Untreated maternal fever and pain can increase the risk of birth defects (including heart defects, abdominal wall defects, and neural tube defects), premature birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage.
In pregnant women, untreated fever and pain can also lead to complications such as high blood pressure, dehydration, depression, and anxiety.
Legal context
The debate surrounding paracetamol’s safety led to lawsuits in the United States filed by parents and autism activists against retailers, alleging failure to warn consumers about potential risks. Though, in December 2023, a US federal judge dismissed hundreds of these complaints, citing a lack of scientific evidence supporting the claims. This decision was upheld by a federal court in August 2024, though an appeal is scheduled to be heard next month.
Sources: (Links as provided in the original text)
[Link to 2024 Swedish Study]
[Link to 2025 Review of 46 Studies]
* [Link to Kenvue/Kive TradingView]
