Taking paracetamol during pregnancy has been linked to autism in children (4 photos)

Paracetamol, officially known as acetaminophen, is widely used to treat pain and fever. It is currently recommended as a "first-line medication" for pregnant women, but only for a short period and at the lowest dose. US authorities have officially stated that use of this medication during pregnancy increases the risk of autism in children.





Yesterday, US President Donald Trump told reporters: "Effective immediately, the FDA will notify physicians that taking acetaminophen, better known as Tylenol, during pregnancy may be associated with a significantly increased risk of autism."

US Surgeon General Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has launched a federal investigation into the rise in autism rates in the country.

Researchers from Mount Sinai and Harvard studied data from more than 100,000 people, and their findings provide "the most compelling evidence to date" of such a link.

They examined whether the women took acetaminophen during the first, second, third trimester, or throughout their pregnancy, as well as other data from their medical records.



The team noted that the study's results do not directly support a link between the drug and neurodevelopmental disorders. They merely point to a persistent and concerning association that requires further study.

Dr. Didier Prada, an associate professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and a co-author of the study, noted, "Our findings highlight that more rigorous studies are more likely to reveal a link between prenatal acetaminophen use and an increased risk of autism and ADHD."

However, he noted that women should not stop taking the medication without consulting a doctor.

"Pregnant women should not stop taking medications without first discussing them with their doctor. Pain or fever can be harmful to the baby. Our study highlights the importance of discussing a safe approach and considering possible non-pharmacological options."





In 2021, researchers from the University of Barcelona reviewed data from over 70,000 children from six European countries. They found that 56% of mothers who gave birth to children with autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) took paracetamol during pregnancy.

Previous studies have shown that paracetamol can penetrate the child's body and release toxins that can impair cognitive abilities and lead to behavioral problems.

Autism is a developmental disorder that manifests itself in early childhood.

Autism is a broad spectrum of characteristics, and its manifestations can vary greatly from person to person. Some can live independently with little or no assistance, while others require constant care.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neuropsychiatric disorder, with a prevalence rate of up to 16%, according to some estimates, and three times more common in boys.

According to statistics, the number of people with these disorders is increasing every year. Some experts believe this trend is the result of better diagnostics, while others argue that biological and environmental factors may also play a role.