'Paracetamol poses no risk for autism in pregnancy'

A study has found no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy increases the risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in the child, confirming findings from studies with rigorous methodologies.

- CORRESPONDENT

The study is published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women's Health journal.

Paracetamol is an over-the-counter drug, commonly taken for treating symptoms such as body aches and fever. In September 2025, the US administration issued a health guidance, pointing to “mounting evidence finding a connection between acetaminophen (paracetamol) use during pregnancy and autism.”

However, previous research suggesting a small link between paracetamol in pregnancy and an increased risk of autism and ADHD were often prone to biases, researchers from the University of Liverpool, UK and institutes in Europe said. The team reviewed evidence from 43 studies and looked for those with the largest, most rigorous methodologies, such as analyses involving sibling comparisons.