Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen, common brand names Panadol, Tylenol) is one of the most commonly used drugs during pregnancy world-wide.

• recent studies have found a link between prenatal paracetamol use and developmental problems including ADHD and ASD  in children
• government regulatory agencies still say that this drug is safe during pregnancy
• a consensus statement  ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8580820/ ) supported by 91 scientists, clinicians and public health professionals globally recommend that pregnant women should be cautioned at the beginning of pregnancy to:

- avoid paracetamol unless its use is medically indicated
- consult with a physician or pharmacist … before using on a long-term basis
- minimize exposure by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time

Recent studies

In an American study of over 2,000 child-mother pairs, children aged 3 years who were exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy scored significantly higher on sleep problems and attention problems (Kristin K Sznajder  et al, 2022)

In a European study of over 70,000 child-mother pairs, children (aged 4-12) who were prenatally exposed to acetaminophen were about 20% more likely to have borderline or clinical ASC (Autism Spectrum conditions) and ADHD symptoms compared to non-exposed children (Silvia Alemany et al, 2021)

Read more

American study
Kristin K Sznajder et al, Maternal use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and neurobehavioral problems in offspring at 3 years: A prospective cohort study,  PLoS One, 2022 Sep 28;17(9):e0272593. https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/does-acetaminophen-during-pregnancy-lead-to-cranky-kids  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9518858/

European study
Silvia Alemany  et al, Prenatal and postnatal exposure to acetaminophen in relation to autism spectrum and attention-deficit and hyperactivity symptoms in childhood: Meta-analysis in six European population-based cohorts,  Eur J Epidemiol. 2021 Oct;36(10):993-1004. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8542535/

Consensus statement
Ann Z. Bauer et al, Paracetamol use during pregnancy — a call for precautionary action, Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2021; 17(12): 757–766. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8580820/