Wide-ranging review rejects link between paracetamol in pregnancy and autism

A wide-ranging review into paracetamol use by pregnant women has found no convincing link between the common painkiller and the chances of children being diagnosed with autism and ADHD.

- Ian Sample Science editor

Publication of the work was fast-tracked to provide prospective mothers and their doctors with reliable information after the Trump administration urged pregnant women to avoid paracetamol - also known as acetaminophen or Tylenol - claiming it was contributing to rising rates of autism.

The US president had said women should talk to their doctor about limiting the use of the painkiller while pregnant. While rates of autism have risen in recent decades, many scientists believe the trend is driven by greater awareness, improvements in diagnosis, and a substantial broadening of the criteria doctors use to describe the condition.