A comprehensive scientific review has definitively dismissed warnings from former US President Donald Trump that linked paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism in children. The findings, published in a leading medical journal, offer robust reassurance to expectant mothers across the UK and beyond.
The Claim and The Comprehensive Rebuttal
In September of last year, President Trump claimed there had been a "meteoric rise" in autism cases and identified paracetamol – known as acetaminophen or Tylenol in the United States – as a potential cause. He suggested pregnant women should avoid the medication and "tough it out" instead.
Now, a major review examining 43 separate studies on the topic has concluded there is "no clinically important" link between paracetamol exposure in pregnancy and the subsequent development of autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or intellectual disabilities in children.
Robust Methodology and Crucial Reassurance
Lead author Professor Asma Khalil of St George's Hospital in London stated the review's clear outcome. "We found no clinically important increase in the risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disability among children where the mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy," she said. "And this is the important message to the millions of pregnant individuals – paracetamol is safe to use in pregnancy."
The analysis, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women's Health, compared pregnancy outcomes both with and without paracetamol use. Crucially, it also included sibling comparison studies, which account for shared family history and genetics by examining children born to the same mother under different exposure circumstances.
Professor Grainne McAlonan of King's College London highlighted this "crucial" factor, adding: "Expectant mothers do not need the stress of questioning whether medicine most commonly used for a headache could have far-reaching effects on their child's health."
Official Endorsement and Closing the Matter
The review's conclusions align with longstanding guidance from health bodies worldwide. Professor Khalil confirmed paracetamol "remains the first-line treatment" recommended for pain or fever in pregnancy, consistent with NHS and international guidelines.
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the findings, stating: "This major review can, yet again, reassure mothers-to-be everywhere that there is no evidence whatsoever to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism, ADHD or disabilities in their children. Our country's leading scientists, doctors and the NHS are clear that paracetamol is safe to take when pregnant and in pain or suffering a fever."
With the scientific evidence now thoroughly examined, experts hope this definitive review will finally put the matter to rest, alleviating unnecessary anxiety for pregnant women and reinforcing trusted medical advice.
