Study Links Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy to Increased ADHD Risk in Children

Research suggests an 18% higher likelihood of ADHD in children born to mothers who took the common painkiller during pregnancy, with daughters facing a greater risk.

A study published in *Nature Mental Health* analyzed blood samples from 307 pregnant women and found a correlation between acetaminophen use and an 18% higher prevalence of ADHD in their children.
Daughters exposed to acetaminophen in the womb were six times more likely to develop ADHD compared to sons, who showed a less pronounced risk increase.
Acetaminophen, commonly found in over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, is widely used by 40-60% of pregnant women for pain relief despite limited research on its long-term neurodevelopmental impacts.
The findings add to ongoing debates, as prior studies on the link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and ADHD have yielded mixed results, with some showing no correlation.
Experts emphasize that while the study raises concerns, the small sample size and correlational nature of the findings call for further research before altering medical guidelines.