A major review has found no evidence that taking paracetamol 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, contradicts claims made by Donald Trump in September that the painkiller causes autism.
The 'gold standard' review analysed 43 previous studies, including comparisons of health outcomes among children born to the same mother, covering 262,852 children assessed for autism, 335,255 for ADHD and 406,681 for intellectual disability. Researchers led by Professor Asma Khalil of City St George's, University of London, concluded that familial and genetic factors are more likely explanations for any observed associations.
Trump's remarks during a White House press conference on 22 September, in which he said 'Don't take Tylenol' and claimed the drug was dangerous, were condemned by medical organisations. Wes Streeting, the UK Health Secretary, advised women to 'pay no attention whatsoever' to Trump's comments on medicine.
The study authors hope their findings will end scepticism about using paracetamol during pregnancy, stressing that untreated fever or significant pain pose known risks to both mother and baby. Paracetamol remains the recommended first-line painkiller for pregnant women according to health authorities worldwide.
