Does Acetaminophen During Pregnancy Increase the Risk of Autism or ADHD?

What are studies telling us about taking Tylenol® or Paracetamol® while pregnant?

For a long time now, doctors and healthcare professionals have advised women that Tylenol® or Paracetamol® is the best pain relief to take while pregnant. However, recent studies could suggest that taking either of these drugs too often while pregnant could increase the chances of the child developing both autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Below, Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD, will explain the risks of using acetaminophen during pregnancy.

What are the Studies About Acetaminophen Telling Us?

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology and conducted in 2018/2019 did a meta-analysis of seven different studies which involved a total of 132,738 mothers and their children.

During the studies, people were followed for between three to eleven years, depending on the study they were involved with at the time, using questionnaires, self-reports, medication use, and interviews.

The analysis revealed to researchers that there was a 20% higher risk of autism and a 30% higher risk of ADD for children that had received prolonged exposure to acetaminophen during the fetal development stage of pregnancy.

However, it’s important to note that taking smaller amounts of acetaminophen during pregnancy, noted in one study for less than eight days, didn’t appear to increase the risks.

Since then, other studies have supported the previous findings that taking too much acetaminophen could increase the risk of both ADHD and autism.

“Acetaminophen is still the safest known drug to take during pregnancy for problems like fever and pain,” says Dr. Zanotti. “When you’re pregnant, it’s riskier to have an untreated fever than it is to take acetaminophen.”

Why Are Autism and ADHD Numbers on the Rise in the United States?

Many experts are struggling to understand why autism is one of the fastest-growing disorders in the US, affecting almost 1 out of every 44 eight-year-old children. ADHD is also on the rise, affecting approximately 9.4% of children aged two to seventeen.

“Both diseases likely stem from many different factors, so their true cause is poorly understood,” says Dr. Zanotti.

It’s important to note that none of the studies which were reviewed focused on environmental factors, genetic factors, or maternal characteristics, which can also increase the risk of both ADHD and autism. Early reporting of autism and ADHD, along with recognition of both disorders, is also getting better, which could lead to an increase in the number of people diagnosed with both disorders.

“We need more research to fully understand the effects of prolonged acetaminophen exposure on the baby during pregnancy,” Dr. Zanotti notes.

So, Is Acetaminophen Safe During Pregnancy? – Conclusion

“If you have a fever or if pain is disrupting your daily life during pregnancy, it’s OK to take acetaminophen occasionally,” says Dr. Zanotti. “We just don’t want you taking acetaminophen every day or long-term.”

If you need pain relief during pregnancy, it’s recommended to discuss options with your healthcare provider.

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