A landmark review in The Lancet has concluded that paracetamol (acetaminophen) is safe for use during pregnancy, finding no evidence it causes autism or ADHD in children.
The research
directly counters controversial claims made by former US President Donald
Trump, aiming to reassure pregnant women and end the safety debate.
Paracetamol in Pregnancy: No Link to Autism or ADHD Found
A comprehensive new review in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's
Health provides
decisive evidence on paracetamol safety in pregnancy.
Analyzing 43 high-quality
studies involving hundreds of thousands of women, researchers found no
association between prenatal paracetamol use and an increased risk of
autism, ADHD, or developmental delays in children.
Lead author
Professor Asma Khalil stated the findings are "gold-standard," as
they compared siblings to rule out genetic and environmental factors,
delivering a clear message:
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Paracetamol remains a safe option during pregnancy when taken as guided.
The Research vs. Political Claims: Ending the Confusion
This rigorous
scientific review directly challenges and refutes Donald Trump's claims
about paracetamol and autism made in 2025.
Trump's assertion
that the drug "is no good" and his advice for pregnant women to
"fight like hell" not to take it were widely criticized by global
medical bodies.
The new study aims
to end the confusion and concern those claims sowed. Researchers emphasize that
untreated pain or fever in pregnancy carries known risks—including miscarriage
and preterm birth—making safe pain relief essential. The findings reinforce
existing guidance from health authorities in the UK, US, and Europe.
Expert Guidance: Reassurance for Pregnant Women
Medical experts
urge pregnant women to "feel reassured" by the data.
Paracetamol safety
in pregnancy is reaffirmed as the first-line treatment for pain and fever.
Health officials
maintain that the benefits of appropriately managing these conditions far
outweigh unfounded risks.
Read also: Pregnancy Health Tips Bump to Birth – An Evidence-Based Guide
The study
underscores that autism spectrum disorder is complex, with no single cause, and
previously reported correlations were likely due to confounding factors, not
the drug itself.
The consensus is
clear: paracetamol, when used as directed, does not harm fetal
neurodevelopment.
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Affirmation of Original Reporting
I affirm that this
health news report is an original synthesis of the peer-reviewed study
published in The Lancet, statements from the lead researchers, and
the context of previous public claims.
It provides
accurate, science-based information to clarify a significant public health
topic.
Source Information
This report is
based on the published scientific study and official health guidance.
- For the original study: The Lancet: Paracetamol use in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental
outcomes
- For official pregnancy and
medication guidance: U.S. CDC -
Treating for Two
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