Major review confirms paracetamol is safe to use during pregnancy

Major review confirms paracetamol is safe to use during pregnancy

20 Jan 2026

The findings follow public claims made last year by US President Donald Trump, who suggested that taking paracetamol while pregnant increased the risk of autism in children. Those claims attracted global attention and concern but were not supported by strong scientific evidence.

The new systematic review and meta-analysis, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health, examined data from 43 studies, including 17 included in a meta-analysis. Researchers found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disability.

The analysis focused on higher-quality evidence, prioritising sibling-comparison studies and research with long-term follow-up, while excluding studies with a high risk of bias. According to the authors, earlier links reported in observational studies were likely due to other factors such as maternal illness, fever, genetics or environmental influences, rather than paracetamol itself.

The researchers warned that avoiding paracetamol based on weak or biased evidence could pose risks, as untreated pain or fever during pregnancy can negatively affect outcomes. They concluded that the findings support the safe use of paracetamol during pregnancy when taken appropriately.

Associate Professor Alex Polyakov, obstetrician and gynaecologist at the University of Melbourne, said the review provides “timely and methodologically rigorous reassurance” for both clinicians and patients. He noted that paracetamol has long been considered the safest option for managing pain and fever in pregnancy.

Health organisations, including the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, had previously criticised claims suggesting harm, questioning their scientific validity. Despite widespread media coverage, a subsequent survey found most Australian GPs did not see an increase in patient concerns.

https://www1.racgp.org.au/

Source: Women’s Health; commentary reported by newsGP

 
 

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