There is no clear link between taking paracetamol in pregnancy and the chances of a child having autism or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) later in life, an in-depth evidence review has found.1
The researchers concluded that the quality of existing studies supporting such a link was “low to critically low,” adding that any apparent effect can probably be explained by family genetics and other factors.
The research was fast tracked for publication by The BMJ after remarks made by US president Donald Trump in September when he advised women against taking the pain reliever during pregnancy, citing a link between the drug and autism. Trump claimed that paracetamol (called acetaminophen in the US and sold there as Tylenol) “is no good” and that pregnant women should “fight like hell” not to take it.23
Manufacturers of the drug are now being sued over allegations …
