Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used pain and fever medications during pregnancy.
Known by the brand name Tylenol® in the United States and Canada, and as paracetamol in many other countries, it has long been seen as the safest choice for expectant mothers to treat mild to moderate pain, headaches, or fever.
More than half of all pregnant women around the world use it at some point during pregnancy. However, new research raises serious concerns about the safety of this popular drug when taken during pregnancy.
Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai recently published a large study that suggests a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children, especially autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The study, published in BMC Environmental Health, looked at 46 different studies that included data from over 100,000 mothers and their children across several countries.
To ensure their review was thorough and unbiased, the researchers used a strict scientific process known as the Navigation Guide Systematic Review methodology.
This method is well respected in the field of environmental health and was used to rate how reliable each study was, how well the data was handled, and whether the findings were consistent across different studies.
What the researchers found was troubling: studies that were higher in quality were more likely to show a link between using acetaminophen during pregnancy and a higher chance of children developing autism or ADHD. This means that even though some earlier studies had mixed results, the better-designed studies clearly showed more risk.
Scientists believe there are several ways that acetaminophen might affect a baby’s brain while it is developing. The drug can pass through the placenta, reaching the fetus.
Once inside the body, it may cause stress at the cellular level, disrupt hormone levels, or even change how genes are expressed in the developing brain—potentially leading to long-term effects.
It’s important to note that this study does not prove that acetaminophen causes autism or ADHD. However, it does show a stronger connection than previously understood and suggests that it may be time to reconsider current medical advice.
The researchers recommend that pregnant women be very cautious when using acetaminophen. They suggest limiting its use to short periods and only when necessary, and always under the supervision of a doctor.
They also encourage doctors to review their guidelines and consider whether safer options are available for managing pain and fever in pregnant patients.
Dr. Diddier Prada, one of the study’s lead authors, warns that even a small increase in risk is a serious concern due to how many pregnant women use this drug. He stresses that no one should stop taking medications suddenly or without consulting a healthcare provider.
Untreated pain or fever during pregnancy can also harm both the mother and the baby. What’s most important, he says, is for pregnant women to talk to their doctors and explore other ways to stay healthy and comfortable.
As autism and ADHD become more common worldwide, this research sends an important message to both healthcare professionals and expecting parents. It highlights the need for new, safer treatments and more research into how everyday medications affect unborn children.
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The study is published in Environmental Health.
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