Paracetamol Use During Pregnancy: What the Latest Science Says About Autism Risks

Understanding Paracetamol in Pregnancy and Its Potential Links to Autism

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen or by the brand name Tylenol, is widely used worldwide to manage pain and reduce fever. During pregnancy, it is often employed to alleviate common discomforts such as headaches or body aches. For years, health authorities like Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have maintained that paracetamol is safe for use at any stage of pregnancy, classifying it as a Category A drug, which indicates extensive safe use. However, recent research has sparked discussions about whether there might be a connection between paracetamol use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.

The Concerns and Early Warnings

In September 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump controversially advised pregnant women to avoid paracetamol unless facing extremely high fevers, citing possible links to autism. This statement reignited attention on the ongoing debate among researchers regarding potential risks associated with paracetamol use during pregnancy.

Current Medical Consensus

Despite these concerns, current guidelines still affirm the safety of paracetamol for pregnant women. It plays a crucial role in managing fevers, which are important to control during pregnancy because high untreated fevers have been linked to increased risks of miscarriage, neural tube defects, cleft lip and palate, and heart anomalies. Untreated infections also pose risks, emphasizing the importance of effective fever management.

Recent Research Developments

Recent scientific studies have explored the potential links between prenatal paracetamol exposure and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD. An extensive review of 46 studies, published in August 2025 by Harvard researchers, found 27 reports indicating a possible association. Nonetheless, these studies often face challenges such as biases and confounding factors.

One pivotal study analyzed nearly 2.5 million children born in Sweden between 1995 and 2019. While an initial analysis suggested a slight increase in autism and ADHD risk, sibling comparison studies—designed to account for genetic and environmental factors—did not support a direct link. These findings suggest that other familial or environmental influences may explain the observed associations.

The Role of Confounding Factors

Research indicates that factors such as parental health, genetics, pregnancy complications, and socioeconomic status may significantly influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. Many studies did not adequately control for these variables, which could skew results. When these confounders are considered, evidence for a direct causal link between paracetamol and autism becomes weaker.

Implications for Expecting Mothers

For pregnant women, the current consensus is that paracetamol, used responsibly, remains safe. It is vital to treat fevers during pregnancy because they can pose risks to fetal development. Women are advised to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration and consult healthcare providers if symptoms persist or worsen. Importantly, other pain relievers like ibuprofen should be avoided during pregnancy without medical guidance.

Looking Ahead

Ongoing research aims to clarify the relationship between paracetamol and neurodevelopmental disorders. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals recommend that pregnant women prioritize safety and adhere to medical advice when managing pain or fever.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-paracetamol-pregnancy-science-link-autism.html