Evidence-Based Medicine: Paracetamol has been around for ages. Let us explain whether using it during pregnancy is dangerous or not.

Is paracetamol safe during pregnancy?

Does Paracetamol During Pregnancy Cause Autism? Many claims have surfaced recently regarding the potential harm of paracetamol use during pregnancy. Even leaders like US President Donald Trump have claimed that taking paracetamol during pregnancy can increase the risk of mental health problems like autism in children. But now a major fact-check has emerged on this claim. Let's explore whether it's truly dangerous or whether it's simply a hoax. 

Research shows no risk.

A review published in the medical journal The Lancet clearly states that taking paracetamol during pregnancy does not increase the risk of autism, ADHD, or artificial intelligence (ADHD) in children. This study comprehensively reviewed research conducted to date. Researchers note that previous studies linking paracetamol to mental disorders have several flaws, including data confounding, information based on faulty recall, and the influence of other health factors, making the results unreliable.

According to this new review, familial and genetic factors are more likely to be the cause of autism or neurodevelopmental problems in children. This means that the occurrence of such symptoms in the same family across generations is a more plausible explanation, rather than a direct effect of paracetamol. The research emphasized studies that compared two pregnancies of the same mother, one in which paracetamol was used and the other in which it was not. Such studies are better able to separate factors such as genetics and home environment.

divided into three steps

The researchers examined studies related to paracetamol and pregnancy in three steps. The first step included 4,147 studies on paracetamol use by pregnant women, of which 4,092 were excluded because their results were not directly relevant to the topic. The second step involved an in-depth review of 55 full-text research papers. Of these, 12 studies were excluded due to design flaws, incomplete data, or lack of relevance to the topic.

In the final step, 43 studies were systematically reviewed. Of these, 17 high-quality studies were selected for detailed statistical analysis, with particular priority given to studies comparing siblings, to separate genetic and familial influences.

What do experts say?

Professor Asma Khalil, the study's senior author, said that making such claims without solid evidence could unnecessarily create fear among pregnant women. Current scientific evidence does not support these claims. Experts reiterated that under current medical guidelines, paracetamol, taken with a doctor's prescription, is considered safe during pregnancy and remains a reliable option for pain or fever.