Paracetamol Use in Pregnancy Linked to Autism, ADHD Risk
By : Krishna Mishra
A recent study by Harvard and Mount Sinai warns that using paracetamol during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism and ADHD in children. Researchers analysed data from over 100,000 participants across 46 studies, linking prenatal acetaminophen exposure to potential neurodevelopmental disorders.
The team assessed usage across all trimesters and emphasised that higher-quality studies are more likely to show a connection. The study, published in *BMC Environmental Health*, urges mothers-to-be to use the common over-the-counter painkiller sparingly due to potential long-term effects on child development.
Dr. Didier Prada, co-author, cautioned that pregnant women should not stop taking paracetamol abruptly without consulting a doctor, as untreated pain or fever can also harm the baby. The study highlights the importance of discussing safe options with healthcare providers and considering non-drug alternatives when possible.
Past research also links paracetamol use to a 24–36% increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as higher risks of chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and hypertension, underscoring the need for careful use.