A major new study has refuted claims made by former US President Donald Trump that paracetamol use during pregnancy is linked to autism in children. The research, published in the prestigious journal JAMA Pediatrics, examined data from over 70,000 mother-child pairs and found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The study, led by a team of researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway, is the largest of its kind to date. It provides robust evidence that paracetamol, commonly known as acetaminophen in some countries, is a safe option for pregnant women to manage pain and fever.
“This comprehensive study should reassure expectant mothers that the occasional use of paracetamol during pregnancy is not a risk factor for autism in their children,” said Professor Eivind Ystrom, the study’s lead author. “The benefits of using this common pain reliever often outweigh the potential risks.”
The researchers warned that avoiding paracetamol might expose mothers to the risks associated with untreated pain and fever, such as an increased likelihood of miscarriage or congenital defects. They emphasised the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals to weigh the potential risks and benefits of medication use during pregnancy.
The study’s findings directly contradict the claims made by former President Trump in 2019, when he stated that “the biggest thing” he had learned as president was the link between paracetamol and autism. Trump’s comments were widely criticised by medical experts at the time for being unsupported by scientific evidence.
“It’s concerning when public figures make unfounded claims about the safety of common medications,” said Professor Ystrom. “This study provides a definitive answer based on robust, peer-reviewed research – paracetamol use during pregnancy is not associated with autism in children.”
The researchers noted that further studies are still needed to fully understand the complex relationship between medication use, maternal health, and child development. However, this latest research offers reassurance to expectant mothers and healthcare providers that paracetamol can be safely used to manage pregnancy-related discomfort.
