Overview
- The review, led by a University of London team and published in The Lancet, pooled 43 studies and found no significant increase in autism, ADHD or intellectual impairment following use in pregnancy.
- Analyses that compared siblings—one exposed in utero and one not—were central to the findings and helped address genetic and shared environmental biases.
- Independent clinicians said the results align with current guidance that paracetamol can be used during pregnancy when medically indicated.
- Experts advised using the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration and noted that untreated maternal fever carries documented risks for mother and baby.
- The conclusions rebut widely shared claims, including those voiced by President Donald Trump, and reiterate that paracetamol remains the preferred option for pain and fever in pregnancy.