Recent studies have sparked debate over whether using paracetamol during pregnancy may increase autism, ADHD risk in children. Let’s explore the latest findings and expert perspectives.
Studies Showing Potential Risk
- A meta-analysis of six European studies involving nearly 74,000 mother–child pairs found that children prenatally exposed to paracetamol had a 19% higher chance of autism spectrum condition (ASC) symptoms and 21% higher chance of ADHD symptoms compared to those not exposed.
- A 2018 meta-analysis of over 130,000 mother–child pairs reported a 34% increased risk for ADHD, 19% for autism, and 24% for hyperactivity symptoms among those exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy
- In a Danish birth cohort, prolonged paracetamol use (over 20 weeks) during pregnancy was linked to a 1.5-fold increased risk of autism with hyperactivity symptoms—but not all types of autism cases.
- A U.S.-based study, supported by NIH data, found that children with higher cord blood levels of acetaminophen were 2.3 to 2.9 times more likely to develop ADHD, and 2.1 to 3.6 times more likely to develop ASD.
- A recent Nature Mental Health study of over 300 mother–child pairs noted a 3.15 times greater risk of ADHD for children whose mothers had acetaminophen biomarkers during pregnancy—risk was particularly elevated in girls (six times higher).
Findings Showing No Link
- A large Swedish sibling-controlled study of 2.4 million children found no increase in autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability risk when comparing exposed and unexposed siblings.
Expert Cautions and Limitations
- Experts emphasize that many of these studies are observational, which means they cannot prove causation.
- The sibling-controlled study accounted for genetic and familial factors, strengthening its findings.
- Critics of some studies point to statistical limitations, possible bias, and lack of absolute risk data, making it difficult to pinpoint how much risk is added by paracetamol itself.
Reddit Reflections
Public discussion echoes the scientific divide:
“Children exposed prenatally were 19% more likely to develop ASC symptoms and 21% more likely to develop ADHD symptoms…”
Conversely, others note:
“We did not see any increased risk… in the children that could be attributed to paracetamol use during pregnancy.”
Conclusion
The current evidence shows a mixed picture. Some studies suggest small but significant associations between prenatal paracetamol use and increased risk of autism or ADHD. However, more robust research—including sibling-controlled studies—finds no such link.
What You Should Know
- Paracetamol remains widely used and considered the safest pain reliever during pregnancy when needed.
- Experts consistently advise using paracetamol only at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration necessary, and always only under medical guidance.
- Themes like untreated fever or pain during pregnancy can also pose risks, so self-discontinuing medication is not advised without consulting a healthcare provider.
