The study urged mothers-to-be to use paracetamol sparingly, as it could cause neurodevelopmental disorders.
New York: Paracetamol, the world’s most widely used painkiller, could raise the risk of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children when taken during pregnancy, according to a new study.
Researchers from Mount Sinai and Harvard’s School of Public Health analysed data from over 100,000 people across 46 studies, using the Navigation Guide Systematic Review methodology—a gold-standard framework for evaluating environmental health risks. They examined when paracetamol was taken during pregnancy—first, second, third trimester, or throughout—and linked this information with mothers’ medical records.
The study, published in BMC Environmental Health, found that higher-quality research more consistently showed a connection between prenatal paracetamol exposure and increased risks of autism and ADHD. “Given the widespread use of this medication, even a small rise in risk could have significant public health implications,” the authors warned.
The study urged mothers-to-be to use paracetamol, a common over-the-counter medication, sparingly, as it could cause neurodevelopmental disorders.
However, expert cautioned against abruptly stopping its use. Dr. Diddier Prada, assistant professor of population health science at Mount Sinai, explained:
“Pregnant women should not stop taking medication without consulting their doctors. Untreated pain or fever can also harm the baby. Our study highlights the importance of discussing the safest approach with health care providers and considering non-drug options whenever possible.”
Potential Risks of Paracetamol
The potential risks of paracetamol are not limited to pregnancy. A 2024 study by the University of Nottingham reported that regular use may increase the risk of peptic ulcer bleeding by 24%, lower gastrointestinal bleeding by 36%, chronic kidney disease by 19%, heart failure by 9%, and hypertension by 7%.
Given its global prevalence as an over-the-counter drug, the new findings underline the need for caution, informed medical guidance, and further research on safer alternatives for managing pain during pregnancy.
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