Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Lancet Study Confirms Paracetamol Safety in Pregnancy
A big study looked at 43 smaller studies to see if taking paracetamol (also called acetaminophen) during pregnancy is safe.
The study found that paracetamol does not increase the risk of autism, ADHD, or learning problems in children.
This is good news because paracetamol is often used to relieve pain and reduce fever during pregnancy.
Some people were worried because earlier studies suggested a small link, but those studies had problems like not enough data or bias.
This new study is more reliable because it looked at a lot of evidence and considered things like family history.
So, doctors can feel more confident recommending paracetamol to pregnant women.
However, some US health officials and Donald Trump have raised concerns about its safety, leading to confusion among women.
The study aims to put these doubts to rest.
A comprehensive study in The Lancet found no link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children.
The study analyzed 43 previous studies and was led by researchers from City St George’s, University of London.
Paracetamol is widely recommended for pain relief and fever reduction during pregnancy due to its favorable safety profile compared to other options.
Earlier concerns about paracetamol's safety were based on studies with biases and insufficient data.
This study is considered more rigorous as it accounts for factors like family history and uses robust methodologies.
- Who
- Researchers from City St George’s, University of London and medical experts worldwide
- What
- A comprehensive review of 43 studies on paracetamol use during pregnancy
- When
- Published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health on January 17, 2026
- Where
- Global, with research led from the UK
- Why
- To assess the safety of paracetamol use during pregnancy and its potential links to autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability
- Study Source
- The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health
- Lead Researchers
- City St George’s, University of London
- Number of Studies Analyzed
- 43
- Conditions Studied
- Autism, ADHD, Intellectual Disability
- Paracetamol Role
- Analgesic and Antipyretic
- Safety Comparison
- More favorable than NSAIDs and opioids
- Previous Concerns
- Small associations from biased or insufficient studies
- US Health Officials' Stance
- Continue to maintain concerns about its use during pregnancy
Sources
Paracetamol use in pregnancy is safe, no link to autism, ADHD, says Lancet: Why this is a gold-standard study
Tylenol Pregnancy Study Contradicts Trump Claims On Autism Link
'No Link Between Paracetamol Use In Pregnancy And Autism': Study Refutes Trump’s Claims
No Evidence that Paracetamol Increases Autism Risk, Says Analysis of Robust Studies
Science debunks Trump's claim: Paracetamol in pregnancy not linked to autism, finds Lancet study
Does paracetamol increase the risk of autism? Study reveals the answer
Paracetamol use in pregnancy not linked to autism or ADHD: Lancet study
Paracetamol safe in pregnancy: Lancet study debunks ADHD link
