Paracetamol in pregnancy
We would like to reassure everyone that there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism.
Paracetamol continues to be the first-choice of pain killer for those who are pregnant and causes no harm to your baby.
For those who are feeling confused, unsettled or unsure, please refer to the NHS website to read the full advice on paracetamol use during pregnancy.
What the evidence says:
Public health agencies and autism charities agree there is no evidence that paracetamol causes autism, and existing guidance remains unchanged.
- The UK medicines regulator, the MHRA, has confirmed paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief in pregnancy when used as directed. There is no evidence that it causes autism.
- Autism charities, including Autistica (you can read more about this here) and the National Autistic Society (you can find out more here), have jointly stated that studies suggesting a link are weak, poorly designed, and do not provide reliable evidence. High-quality, well-controlled studies indicate there is no link between paracetamol in pregnancy and autism.
- Untreated pain or fever in pregnancy can be harmful, so safe symptom relief is essential.
Continue to follow NHS guidance
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: “I've just got to be really clear about this: there is no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children. None."
>> Visit gov.uk to read the full the MHRS article