Experts Confirm No Link Between Paracetamol Use During Pregnancy and Autism Risk

Recent statements suggesting that pregnant women taking paracetamol are at increased risk of having children with autism have been widely debunked by medical experts and regulatory agencies. Contrary to claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, there is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that paracetamol, a common pain reliever, causes autism in offspring.

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is one of the most extensively studied medications globally and is routinely used by pregnant women to manage pain and fever. Major health organizations such as the World Health Organization, the European Medicines Agency, and the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency have reviewed the evidence and found no credible link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism risk.

The controversy surfaced when Trump publicly suggested pregnant women should avoid paracetamol due to supposed risks, claiming an association with a "very increased risk of autism." However, leading researchers and clinicians have emphasized that these assertions are unfounded and potentially harmful, leading to unnecessary fear and stigma for autistic individuals and their families.

The most comprehensive research on this topic includes a large-scale study published in JAMA, which analyzed nearly 2.5 million children born in Sweden over two decades. The study utilized sibling comparisons to control for genetic and environmental factors and concluded that prenatal use of acetaminophen was not linked to increased rates of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability.

While some older studies suggested possible connections, many of these had methodological flaws and failed to account for genetic predispositions or parental factors. Experts caution against cherry-picking such studies to draw conclusions or implement public health policies.

Medical professionals advise that pregnant women consult healthcare providers regarding the safe use of paracetamol. Given that other painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen are contraindicated during pregnancy, paracetamol remains the safest option for managing pain and fever during pregnancy.

The rise in autism diagnosis over recent years is primarily due to expanded diagnostic criteria and increased awareness—not an actual surge in cases. Researchers emphasize the importance of supporting individuals with autism and fostering understanding rather than spreading misinformation about potential causes.

In summary, current scientific evidence confirms that taking paracetamol during pregnancy does not increase the risk of autism in children. Pregnant women should continue to follow medical advice and consult healthcare professionals for proper treatment options. Misinformation such as that promoted by Trump should be viewed critically and not influence health decisions.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-paracetamol-pregnant-autism-experts.html