Major Review Finds No Causal Link Between paracetamol Use in Pregnancy and autism/ADHD
London – A thorough review of existing evidence has reaffirmed that there is no established causal link between taking paracetamol during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism or ADHD in children, researchers announced today. The findings aim to alleviate concerns raised by recent, unsubstantiated claims linking the common painkiller to neurodevelopmental conditions.
The review, led by researchers at the University of Bristol, examined numerous studies, including a large-scale analysis of 2.4 million Swedish children published last year in JAMA. That study initially indicated marginally higher rates of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability in children whose mothers had taken paracetamol during pregnancy.However, when researchers compared siblings – some exposed to the medication and others not – the observed effect disappeared. This suggests that pre-existing maternal genetics, underlying health conditions, or shared environmental factors are more likely responsible for any observed correlation.
“If there’s a family history of autism and ADHD, either in the parents or the siblings, then it is indeed likely that that is the reason a child is diagnosed rather than something the mother took in pregnancy,” explained Dr. Sian Thangaratinam of the University of Bristol.
Researchers emphasize the importance of reassuring women who may feel guilt or anxiety over past paracetamol use during pregnancy. “They might have a child that is autistic with ADHD and we really don’t want them to think it’s as of something they did in pregnancy. That’s a terrible feeling for a mother to have,” Thangaratinam stated. ”There isn’t anything in the current evidence that suggests mothers taking paracetamol is actually causing autism and ADHD.”
The findings echo statements made by experts following claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a link between Tylenol (a brand name for paracetamol) and autism.
Professor dimitrios Siassakos, an honorary consultant in obstetrics at University College London, confirmed the review’s conclusions.”Paracetamol is the safest medication to use in pregnancy,and has been used by the majority of pregnant women globally for several decades without any impact on autism and ADHD,” he said.he further highlighted the dangers of untreated fever during pregnancy, noting that “high temperature and inflammation have a negative impact on foetal and neonatal brains and untreated inflammation can cross the placenta.”
