Taking paracetamol while pregnant is safe and there's no evidence it raises the risk of autism, ADHD, and developmental issues in children, says a major new review.
Pregnant women should feel reassured by the findings, which contradict previous claims from US President Donald Trump who stated that paracetamol is no good for pregnant women.
His statements received criticism from medical organizations worldwide. The latest review, published in a Lancet journal, aims to put an end to discussions about its safety.
However, US health officials have noted that many experts have expressed concern over its use during pregnancy.
The controversial claims made during Trump's presidency startled many medical professionals and led to confusion among women regarding paracetamol, known as acetaminophen in some regions.
The new research looked at 43 pivotal studies involving hundreds of thousands of women, emphasizing that using high-quality sibling comparisons allowed the researchers to control for genetic and environmental variations.
According to Professor Asma Khalil, who led the study, the results confirm no links between paracetamol use and autism. Paracetamol remains a safe option during pregnancy when taken as directed, she said.
This aligns with the established guidelines from major health organizations across the UK, US, and Europe on the common painkiller's safety.
Health advice also underscores the benefits of using paracetamol to manage high fever or pain during pregnancy, as neglecting proper treatment could lead to complications such as miscarriage or developmental problems in babies.
Medical experts not involved in the research have welcomed these findings, hoping this study helps alleviate concerns among expectant mothers.
Ultimately, this robust review aims to clarify existing misconceptions and reinforce paracetamol's role as the first-line medication recommended for pain relief during pregnancy.
