Taking paracetamol while pregnant is safe and there's no evidence it raises the risk of autism, ADHD, and developmental issues in children, say experts behind a major new review.
Pregnant women 'should feel reassured' by the findings, they say, which contradict controversial claims from US President Donald Trump last year that paracetamol 'is no good' and pregnant women should 'fight like hell' not to take it.
His views were criticized at the time by medical organizations worldwide. Experts say this latest review, published in a Lancet journal, is rigorous and should end the debate over its safety.
However, US health officials maintain that 'many experts' have expressed concern over its use during pregnancy.
The US President shocked many doctors worldwide when he and his administration claimed paracetamol or a branded version called Tylenol - which is seen as the go-to painkiller for pregnant women - could be linked to autism in children if taken during pregnancy.
Those claims led to confusion among women and concern among health experts and prompted this new research.
Published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health, it looked at 43 of the most robust studies into paracetamol use during pregnancy, involving hundreds of thousands of women, particularly those comparing pregnancies where the mother had taken the drug to pregnancies where she hadn't.
Using these high-quality studies allows researchers to dismiss other factors such as genetics and family environment, making their review 'gold-standard'.
The analysis found no links; there was no association, and there's no evidence that paracetamol increases the risk of autism, says lead author Professor Asma Khalil.
This reinforces guidance from major medical organizations in the UK, US, and Europe on the safety of the common painkiller.
Health advice warns that women can harm their baby if they don't take paracetamol to reduce high temperatures or relieve pain during pregnancy, which can increase risks of miscarriage or developmental problems.
Medical experts not involved in the research have welcomed the findings, saying it will help reduce worry among women. Professors from respected institutions have stated that this study should bring closure to concerns about the medication.
A spokesman from the US Department of Health and Human Services pointed out that many experts had expressed concern over acetaminophen use during pregnancy. However, the FDA maintains that while there's concern, a causal relationship between the drug and neurological conditions has not been established.
