BMJ Umbrella Review Finds No Evidence Linking Prenatal Paracetamol to Autism or ADHD

The synthesis rates prior association studies as low quality, reinforcing existing guidance for paracetamol use in pregnancy.

Overview

Published on Nov. 10, the BMJ umbrella review synthesizes previous systematic reviews and primary research into prenatal paracetamol exposure.
The authors conclude the available evidence does not establish a link to autism or ADHD in children.
Most prior reviews were graded low or critically low confidence because they insufficiently controlled for genetic, familial, and maternal-health confounders and reused overlapping datasets.
A frequently cited 2025 Environmental Health observational study is flagged as suggestive at most and not demonstrative of causation.
The findings contradict President Donald Trump’s recent claim of a causal link, and they align with WHO guidance that continues to recommend paracetamol over NSAIDs in pregnancy when used as directed.