Can paracetamol in pregnancy cause autism or ADHD in children?
A widely shared claim suggesting that maternal use of paracetamol during pregnancy leads to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children has been debunked by fact-checker Dubawa.
The viral claim gained attention online, especially from parenting forums and social media posts warning pregnant women against taking the commonly used painkiller. Dubawa investigated and found the allegation to be false and misleading.
Dubawa conducted extensive research and consulted reputable scientific sources to verify the claim. Studies do indicate a correlation between prolonged, high-dose paracetamol use and a slight increase in neurodevelopmental issues, but no conclusive causal link has been proven.
This means that while some observational studies observed a potential association, they could not establish that paracetamol causes these conditions due to possible confounding factors such as illness severity, dosage levels, and genetic predispositions.
Medical experts stress that when used as directed—at recommended doses and for short durations—paracetamol remains one of the safest options for managing pain and fever during pregnancy.
The current medical consensus, confirmed by Dubawa’s review, is that avoiding or limiting paracetamol too strictly could pose greater risks by leaving fevers or infections untreated, which itself could be harmful to both mother and baby.
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Dubawa’s fact-check underscores the importance of nuanced communication about medication use during pregnancy. It warns against misleading headlines that overstate the risks and urges expecting mothers to seek individualized medical advice rather than relying on oversimplified online claims.
Health professionals often recommend the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary period, aligning with global obstetric guidelines.
In closing, Dubawa reiterates that while discussions about the safety of any medication during pregnancy are important, there is currently no definitive evidence proving that standard use of paracetamol causes autism or ADHD in offspring. Pregnant individuals should consult healthcare providers to make informed decisions tailored to their specific conditions.