Is Paracetamol Safe in Pregnancy? New Research Raises Concerns About Autism and ADHD
New research suggests a potential link between taking paracetamol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy and a higher risk of autism and ADHD in children. Learn what the study says, the current NHS advice, and what experts recommend.
LONDON, UK – Paracetamol, the most commonly used painkiller in the world and a go-to remedy for pregnant women, may not be as risk-free as previously thought, according to a major new study.
The research suggests a potential link between the use of the drug during pregnancy and an increased likelihood of children developing neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The comprehensive study, published in the journal BMC Environmental Health on August 14, 2025, has prompted calls for a more cautious approach to prescribing the painkiller to expectant mothers. However, researchers are not calling for a ban, emphasizing instead the need for careful, medically-guided use.
What the New Research Uncovered
A team of researchers from leading institutions, including the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, conducted a large-scale analysis of 46 previous studies, which included data from over 100,000 mother-child pairs.
The analysis found evidence suggesting that babies exposed to acetaminophen (the active ingredient in paracetamol and Tylenol) while in the womb could be at a greater risk of developing NDDs.
It is crucial to note that the study does not conclude that paracetamol directly causes autism or ADHD. Instead, it identifies a statistically significant association that warrants further investigation and a potential re-evaluation of how the drug is used during pregnancy.
What is the Current Official Advice?
The findings present a challenge to long-standing medical guidance in countries like the UK. The National Health Service (NHS) website currently states: “Paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you’re pregnant. It’s commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby.”
This advice is based on decades of use where no definitive causal link to birth defects or developmental issues had been established. Paracetamol remains a vital tool for managing pain and, critically, fever in pregnant women, as a high maternal fever can also pose significant risks to an unborn child.
A Call for ‘Judicious Use,’ Not a Ban
The study’s authors were careful to balance their findings with the real-world needs of expectant mothers. They strongly advise against completely avoiding the medication, but urge moderation and professional oversight.
“We recommend judicious acetaminophen use, lowest effective dose, shortest duration, under medical guidance,” the authors wrote. They advise that the decision to use the painkiller should be “tailored to individual risk-benefit assessments, rather than a broad limitation.”
In simple terms, their advice for pregnant women is:
Consult your doctor: Do not self-prescribe. Discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional.
Use the lowest effective dose: If medication is needed, use the smallest amount that provides relief.
Take it for the shortest time possible: Avoid long-term or regular use unless specifically advised by a doctor.
A Growing Body of Evidence
This latest study is not an isolated finding. It adds to a growing body of research exploring the potential effects of prenatal acetaminophen exposure. In February 2025, a separate study published in Nature Mental Health also found a link between fetal exposure to the drug and an increased likelihood of ADHD.
Given that research shows over 70% of pregnant women in some countries use acetaminophen, these findings are highly relevant. The conditions in question, autism and ADHD, are complex developmental disorders. Autism spectrum disorder affects communication and social interaction, while ADHD is characterized by challenges with concentration, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity.
What Should Expectant Mothers Do?
The key takeaway from this new research is not to panic, but to be more mindful. While paracetamol has been a trusted medication for generations, this study suggests that it should be treated like any other medicine during pregnancy—with caution and respect.
Pregnant women experiencing pain or fever should not ignore their symptoms, as these can also be harmful. The best course of action is to speak with a doctor or pharmacist to discuss the safest and most appropriate treatment plan for their individual situation.
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