Overview
- The Lancet Obstetrics & Gynaecology paper, published January 16, 2026, synthesized 43 studies and meta‑analyzed 17 on prenatal paracetamol exposure and child neurodevelopment.
- In analyses prioritizing sibling comparisons and low‑bias cohorts, researchers found no clinically important increase in autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability risk with use as directed.
- Following the review, the UK’s MHRA reaffirmed paracetamol as the first‑choice treatment for pain and fever in pregnancy, echoing guidance from groups such as ACOG, RCOG, and the EMA.
- Authors note study limitations including reliance on maternal recall, inconsistent exposure definitions, missing dose and timing details, and variable follow‑up lengths.
- The findings address recent public concern after high‑profile claims linking Tylenol to autism, while underscoring that treating fever in pregnancy remains important and alternatives are limited.