Study Finds No Clear Link Between Prenatal Acetaminophen Use and Autism
A systematic review of recent epidemiological studies has concluded that there is no clear evidence linking the use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) during pregnancy with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The analysis, which examined data from multiple cohorts across several countries, was commissioned by a public health research institute and published in a peer‑reviewed medical journal.
The review evaluated more than a dozen studies that tracked medication use in pregnant women and followed their offspring for developmental outcomes. Researchers applied standardized criteria to assess the strength of associations, adjusting for confounding factors such as maternal age, socioeconomic status, and co‑existing health conditions. While a few individual studies had reported modest associations, the aggregated data did not support a consistent causal relationship.
These findings arrive amid ongoing public concern and media coverage about the safety of over‑the‑counter pain relievers during pregnancy. Health authorities have previously issued guidance emphasizing that acetaminophen remains the preferred analgesic for pregnant women when needed, due to its established safety profile compared with alternatives. Experts quoted in the report noted that the lack of a clear link should reassure both clinicians and expectant mothers, while also highlighting the importance of using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
Nonetheless, the authors caution that the evidence base is still evolving. They recommend continued monitoring of long‑term neurodevelopmental outcomes and encourage further large‑scale, prospective studies to address remaining uncertainties. In the meantime, healthcare providers are advised to continue counseling patients on appropriate medication use during pregnancy, emphasizing individualized risk‑benefit assessments.
