A comprehensive scientific review has concluded there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy increases the risk of a child developing autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or intellectual disabilities. The findings, published in the journal The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health, are intended to provide definitive reassurance to expectant mothers and close a debate recently amplified by controversial political statements.
Putting Controversial Claims to Rest
The research was conducted by an international team, including UK experts, and serves as a direct response to claims made in September by former US President Donald Trump. Trump had suggested there was a "meteoric rise" in autism cases and implicated Tylenol, the American brand name for paracetamol, as a potential cause. He advised pregnant women to "tough it out" rather than take the painkiller, remarks that were widely condemned by autism campaigners and scientists globally.
Professor Asma Khalil, lead author of the study and a consultant obstetrician at St George’s Hospital in London, stated clearly: "We found no clinically important increase in the risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disability among children where the mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy." She emphasised that paracetamol remains the first-line recommended treatment for pain or fever in pregnancy, aligning with national and international guidelines.
Rigorous Analysis of Global Data
The research team undertook an exhaustive analysis, sifting through global research databases to identify all relevant studies. Their work included:
- A systematic review of 43 studies comparing pregnancies with and without paracetamol exposure.
- A meta-analysis combining data from 17 high-quality studies.
- Critical sibling comparison studies, which compared children born to the same mother where she took paracetamol in one pregnancy but not another, helping to account for family history and genetic factors.
The authors concluded: "Current evidence does not indicate a clinically important increase in the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children of pregnant individuals who use paracetamol as directed."
Expert Call for Reassurance and Closure
Independent experts have welcomed the study's thoroughness. Professor Grainne McAlonan, Professor of Translational Neuroscience at King’s College London, commented: "Expectant mothers do not need the stress of questioning whether medicine most commonly used for a headache could have far-reaching effects on their child’s health." She expressed hope that the robust findings would "bring the matter to a close."
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting also weighed in, stating: "This major review can, yet again, reassure mothers-to-be everywhere that there is no evidence whatsoever to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism, ADHD or disabilities in their children." He reinforced the message from the NHS and medical professionals that the drug is safe for use in pregnancy when taken as directed for pain or fever.
The study, published on Saturday 17 January 2026, represents one of the most definitive assessments on the topic to date and aims to settle public concerns, allowing healthcare advice to be based on clear, consolidated scientific evidence.
