Acetaminophen in Pregnancy Deemed Safe as Research Rules Out Autism and ADHD Risk

A large international review has delivered reassuring evidence on acetaminophen use during pregnancy. Researchers from City St George’s, University of London report no link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability. Published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women’s Health, the study analysed data from 43 previous investigations to address years of public concern.

The team found that earlier claims suggesting neurodevelopmental risks were largely driven by weak study designs and unaddressed bias. By using sibling-comparison data — examining families where one child was exposed in the womb and another was not — the researchers accounted for shared genetics and environment, confirming no increased risk across hundreds of thousands of children studied.

Experts say the findings strongly support current medical guidance. Acetaminophen remains the first-line option for treating pain and fever during pregnancy when used as directed. Researchers caution that avoiding it may pose greater dangers, as untreated maternal fever and severe pain are known to carry serious risks for both mother and child.

Latest research report