Contrary to previous concerns, a recent gold-standard review has found no evidence that paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen or Tylenol) use during pregnancy increases the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities.
- The review, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health, is considered one of the most rigorous to date and included data from over 262,000 children.
- Experts recommend discussing safe options for pain relief with a healthcare provider, especially during pregnancy.
The review's findings are consistent with previous large-scale studies that have confirmed there is no link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and developmental disorders in offspring.
In 2025, the Trump administration suggested a possible association between Tylenol use and autism risk. However, this new research provides reassurance for pregnant women seeking safe pain relief options.
“This review highlights the importance of relying on high-quality evidence when making recommendations about medication safety during pregnancy,” said Sherry Ross, MD, board-certified OB-GYN and Women’s Health Expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
While this new research provides clarity on paracetamol use during pregnancy, federal health officials continue to express concern about the potential risks. However, experts emphasize that these concerns are not supported by robust scientific evidence.
No Causal Link Between Paracetamol and Autism
The Lancet review's findings are based on a comprehensive analysis of 43 existing studies with high-quality research methods. The studies compared pregnancies where paracetamol was used to those where it was not, and also included sibling-comparison studies that controlled for genetics, family environment, and parental characteristics.
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