A major new study published in The Lancet has reaffirmed the safety of paracetamol use during pregnancy, countering previous claims by former US President Donald Trump that the common painkiller could lead to autism and ADHD in children. This comprehensive review, led by Professor Asma Khalil from City St George's, University of London, analyzed 43 high-quality studies involving hundreds of thousands of women and found no evidence linking paracetamol to developmental disorders.

Study Details and Findings

The research, described as "gold-standard," examined studies that compared health outcomes among children born to mothers who used paracetamol during pregnancy and those who did not. It included assessments of 262,852 children for autism, 335,255 for ADHD, and 406,681 for intellectual disabilities. The findings revealed no association between prenatal exposure to paracetamol and these conditions, reinforcing its status as a safe option for pain relief during pregnancy.

Reactions from the Medical Community

The study's conclusions have been welcomed by medical professionals worldwide, who hope it will alleviate concerns among pregnant women. Professor Khalil emphasized the importance of paracetamol as a first-line medication for managing pain and fever during pregnancy, noting that untreated symptoms could pose risks to both mother and baby. The review also highlighted that familial and genetic factors are more plausible explanations for developmental disorders than paracetamol use.

Controversial Claims and Clarifications

The study directly challenges statements made by Donald Trump in September, where he suggested that paracetamol, known as Tylenol in the US, could be harmful during pregnancy. His remarks, made during a White House press conference, were widely criticized by health organizations and led to confusion among expectant mothers. The Lancet review aims to put an end to such skepticism, providing reassurance based on rigorous scientific evidence.