A new study suggests that using acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, during pregnancy may raise the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in children, including autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The research, led by scientists from Mount Sinai Hospital and Harvard’s School of Public Health, was published on August 14 in BMC Environmental Health.
The team reviewed 46 studies involving more than 100,000 participants and found consistent evidence linking prenatal acetaminophen exposure to increased rates of NDDs. The analysis was conducted using the navigation guide systematic review methodology, considered a gold-standard framework for evaluating environmental health data.
While acknowledging acetaminophen’s importance in treating fever and pain during pregnancy—both of which can also pose risks to the baby—the researchers urged careful, limited use.
“We recommend judicious acetaminophen use—lowest effective dose, shortest duration—under medical guidance, tailored to individual risk-benefit assessments, rather than a broad limitation,” they advised.
Dr. Diddier Prada, assistant professor of population health science at Mount Sinai and a co-author, emphasized the study’s public health implications.
“Given the widespread use of this medication, even a small increase in risk could have major public health implications,” he said, noting that stronger studies consistently show a link with autism and ADHD.
However, he cautioned against abrupt discontinuation. “Pregnant women should not stop taking medication without consulting their doctors. Untreated pain or fever can also harm the baby,” Prada added.
The researchers encouraged expectant mothers to discuss options with healthcare providers and consider non-drug alternatives where possible.