A large new review has found no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy increases the risk of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disability in children.
The findings come from a review and meta-analysis of 43 studies, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health. The study was carried out after claims surfaced in September 2025 following a statement by the Trump administration suggesting a possible link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism.
Researchers said earlier studies had shown small associations, but many of those were affected by bias. In contrast, larger and more rigorous studies, particularly those comparing siblings, showed no increased risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disability linked to paracetamol use during pregnancy.
The team analysed cohort studies from major medical databases including MEDLINE, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Library. These studies used medical records or validated questionnaires, accounted for maternal health conditions and treatments, and compared pregnancies with and without paracetamol exposure.
Results showed that in sibling comparison studies, paracetamol use was not associated with autism, ADHD or intellectual disability. Similar findings were seen when researchers looked only at studies judged to be at low risk of bias, as well as those with long-term follow-up.
The authors said earlier reported links were likely influenced by other factors, such as maternal pain, fever, underlying health conditions or genetic predisposition, rather than paracetamol itself.
“Current evidence does not indicate a clinically important increase in the likelihood of autism, ADHD or intellectual disability in children when paracetamol is used as directed during pregnancy,” the researchers concluded, adding that the findings support existing safety recommendations.
Commenting on the study, Hannah Blencowe of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said pregnant women often overestimate medication risks and are vulnerable to misinformation. She warned that discouraging paracetamol use could cause unnecessary anxiety and lead to poor management of pain or fever, or the use of medicines that are unsafe in pregnancy.
In a statement issued on 17 January 2026, Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said the analysis confirms that paracetamol remains safe during pregnancy.
“Paracetamol is the recommended first-line treatment for pain or fever in pregnancy and has been used safely for many years,” she said, advising pregnant women to follow medical guidance and consult healthcare professionals if they have concerns.