Overview
- Published in The BMJ on November 10, the University of Liverpool–led umbrella review synthesized nine systematic reviews spanning 40 observational studies.
- Using established appraisal tools, the team rated seven reviews as critically low and two as low in confidence.
- Sibling‑controlled studies that adjusted for shared genetic and environmental factors saw apparent associations disappear or shrink toward no effect.
- Authors advise continuing paracetamol use in pregnancy when clinically indicated, noting risks from untreated fever and limits on alternatives such as NSAIDs.
- The work responds to recent political warnings about Tylenol; regulators and major medical bodies maintain existing guidance and call for more rigorous, better‑measured research.