A comprehensive review of existing research has definitively debunked claims that paracetamol use during pregnancy increases the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children. The study, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health, analyzed data from over a million children across 43 previous studies, making it the most rigorous analysis to date.
Trump’s Baseless Claims and Public Anxiety
The findings directly contradict statements made by former US President Donald Trump last year, who falsely asserted that paracetamol (known as Tylenol in the US) is harmful to developing fetuses. His remarks sparked widespread anxiety among pregnant women, given that paracetamol is the recommended first-line treatment for pain and fever during pregnancy by medical authorities worldwide. The new study categorically refutes these claims, with researchers hoping it will “put an end to any scepticism” surrounding its use.
Key Findings and Scientific Rigor
Led by Professor Asma Khalil of City, University of London, the research team examined health outcomes in 262,852 children assessed for autism, 335,255 for ADHD, and 406,681 for intellectual disability. The analysis found no statistically significant association between maternal paracetamol exposure and these neurodevelopmental conditions. The study emphasizes that genetic and familial factors are far more likely to play a role in such disorders than any direct effect of the medication.
Context: Why This Matters
The controversy surrounding paracetamol use in pregnancy highlights the dangers of misinformation, particularly when it comes to public health. Trump’s unsubstantiated claims forced health officials to respond and reassure pregnant women. Avoiding paracetamol when medically necessary carries its own risks, including untreated maternal fever, which is a known threat to both mother and child. This study underscores that evidence-based medicine should always prevail over fear-mongering.
Beyond Paracetamol: Underlying Health Factors
The researchers also suggest that the reason a woman takes paracetamol frequently during pregnancy may be more important than the drug itself. Prolonged use often indicates an underlying health condition that could independently influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. The focus should be on treating the illness while ensuring safe pain or fever management.
Expert Response and Public Reassurance
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting dismissed Trump’s claims as baseless, urging the public to disregard them entirely. Medical experts, including Professor Grainne McAlonan of King’s College London, have welcomed the study, hoping it will finally resolve the unnecessary stress placed on expectant mothers. Dr. Steven Kapp of the University of Portsmouth argues that society should move beyond chasing false prevention methods and instead focus on improving support for disabled individuals.
In conclusion, this new research provides definitive evidence that paracetamol is safe for use during pregnancy when taken as directed, and there is no credible link between its use and neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The findings serve as a vital correction to harmful misinformation and reaffirm the importance of relying on scientific evidence in healthcare decisions.
