New Research Confirms Paracetamol Safety During Pregnancy Amid Controversy Over Autism Claims

Sat Jan 17 2026 05:53:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A landmark study reassures pregnant women about the safety of paracetamol, directly contradicting previous claims linking its use to autism, announced by former President Trump.

Recent research published in a leading medical journal indicates that paracetamol is safe for use during pregnancy and does not increase the risk of autism or ADHD in children. This study comes in response to contentious claims made by former President Trump, which had raised concerns among expectant mothers. Medical experts stress that the findings provide a strong reassurance to women regarding the pain reliever, which has been regarded as a first-line treatment during pregnancy.

Taking paracetamol while pregnant is safe and there's no evidence it raises the risk of autism, ADHD and developmental issues in children, say experts behind a major new review.

Pregnant women should feel reassured by the findings, they say, which contradict controversial claims from US President Donald Trump last year that paracetamol is no good and pregnant women should fight like hell not to take it.

His views were criticised at the time by medical organisations worldwide. Experts say this latest review, published in The Lancet journal, is rigorous and should end the debate over its safety.

But US health officials maintain that many experts have expressed concern over its use during pregnancy.

The US President shocked many doctors worldwide when he and his administration claimed paracetamol or a branded version called Tylenol - which is seen as the go-to painkiller for pregnant women - could be linked to autism in children, if taken during pregnancy.

Those claims led to confusion among women and concern among health experts, prompting this new research.

The latest review analyzed 43 studies concerning paracetamol use during pregnancy, involving hundreds of thousands of women. Researchers assert that high-quality sibling studies negate differences from genes and environment, creating a gold-standard analysis.

The study’s lead author, Professor Asma Khalil, confirmed, when we did this analysis, we found no links, there was no association, there's no evidence that paracetamol increases the risk of autism. This reinforces prior recommendations from major medical organisations regarding the safety of the common painkiller.

Health advice warns that failing to manage fever or chronic pain in pregnancy can lead to complications like miscarriage or developmental problems.

Experts outside the research group welcomed the findings, stating they could alleviate anxiety for expectant mothers. Commentators emphasized that the results can help clarify and reinforce international health guidance on paracetamol's use during pregnancy.