Taking paracetamol during pregnancy does not increase the risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disability in children.
Findings of a new systematic review into paracetamol use in pregnancy, led by City St George’s, University of London, confirm that the previously suggested links are more likely to be explained by other factors, such as fever or pain, rather than the use of paracetamol itself.
Professor Asma Khalil, Chair of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Academic Board, who led this review, said:
“The message is clear – paracetamol remains a safe option during pregnancy when taken as guided. We hope that this will put an end to any skepticism on using paracetamol during pregnancy as avoiding paracetamol for significant pain or fever can expose both mother and baby to known risks, particularly untreated maternal fever.”
Dr Alison Wright, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:
"The RCOG is committed to providing clear, evidence - based information for women. This systematic review and meta-analysis, looking at sibling comparison studies, and taking other maternal health factors into account, did not show a clinically important increase in autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability in pregnant women who use paracetamol.
"This review provides further reassurance for women regarding the use of paracetamol, which remains the recommended first line treatment for pain and fever in pregnancy."
- You can access the full study here.