No link between acetaminophen in pregnancy and autism, a new study finds

"A scientific review of 43 studies on acetaminophen use during pregnancy concluded that there was no evidence that the painkiller increased the risk of autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. "We found no clinically important increase in the risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disability," Dr. Asma Khalil, a professor of obstetrics and maternal fetal medicine at St. George's Hospital, University of London, and the lead author of the report, said at a news briefing."

"Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, remains "the first-line treatment that we would recommend if the pregnant women have pain or fever in pregnancy," Khalil said. Studies that have examined a possible link between acetaminophen in pregnancy and a risk of neurodevelopmental disorders have produced conflicting data, with some finding no connection and others finding small increases in risk."

Data from 43 studies found no clinically important increase in the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy. Acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) remains the recommended first-line treatment for pregnant women with pain or fever. Previous research produced conflicting results, with some analyses reporting no connection and others reporting small increased risks. Public warnings against acetaminophen use prompted responses from medical groups worldwide. Medical organizations emphasized judicious use of acetaminophen and cautioned that untreated fevers during pregnancy can pose health risks to mother and fetus.

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