A major new review has concluded that paracetamol is safe to use during pregnancy and does not increase the risk of autism, ADHD, or other developmental issues in children. The findings directly contradict controversial claims made by former US President Donald Trump last year that the common painkiller “is no good” and that pregnant women should “fight like hell” not to take it.
The review, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health, examined 43 of the most robust studies on paracetamol use during pregnancy, involving hundreds of thousands of women. The researchers say using high-quality studies of siblings means they can dismiss other factors like different genes and family environments, making their review “gold-standard”.
“When we did this analysis, we found no links, there was no association, there’s no evidence that paracetamol increases the risk of autism,” said lead study author Professor Asma Khalil, a consultant obstetrician. “The message is clear – paracetamol remains a safe option during pregnancy when taken as guided.”
The review reinforces guidance from major medical organisations in the UK, US and Europe on the safety of paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen in the US. Any previously-reported links between the drug and an increased risk of autism are likely to be explained by other factors, rather than a direct effect of the paracetamol itself, the review says.
“This is important as paracetamol is the first-line medication we recommend for pregnant women in pain or with a fever,” said Professor Khalil, from City, University of London. Health advice warns that women can risk harming their baby if they don’t take paracetamol to bring down a high temperature or relieve pain when pregnant.
Medical experts not involved in the research have welcomed the study’s findings, saying it will help reduce worry among expectant mothers. “I hope the findings of this study bring the matter to a close,” said Professor Grainne McAlonan from King’s College London.
The review comes after Trump and his administration claimed in 2025 that paracetamol or its branded version Tylenol could be linked to autism in children if taken during pregnancy. Those unsubstantiated claims led to confusion among women and concern among health experts, prompting this new research.
A spokesman from the US Department of Health and Human Services said “many experts” had expressed concern over the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. However, the review’s authors say their study provides “strong evidence” that paracetamol use during pregnancy does not increase the risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disability, and “should effectively put this question to rest.”