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, 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 criticized at the time by medical organizations worldwide. Experts assert this latest review, published in a Lancet journal, is rigorous and should end the debate over its safety.
The research looked at 43 of the most robust studies into paracetamol usage during pregnancy, involving hundreds of thousands of women and comparing pregnancies where mothers took the drug to those where they did not. The findings are hailed as 'gold-standard.'
Lead study author Professor Asma Khalil stated, 'When we did this analysis, we found no links; there was no association.' The message is thus clear – paracetamol remains a safe option during pregnancy when taken as guided.
UK, US, and European health bodies reinforce the guidance on the safety of this common painkiller. Medical experts are optimistic that these findings will relieve concerns among expectant mothers.
