A pharmacist checks weight of Paracetamol, a common pain reliever also sold as acetaminophen, tablets inside a lab of a pharmaceutical company on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India. In this year alone, India has already exported drugs worth $3.7 billion (Rs 32,505 crore) to the US. File image/Reuters
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Firstpost17-01-2026, 19:17

Paracetamol in Pregnancy: No Link to Autism or ADHD, Major Study Confirms

  • A new international study found no evidence linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children.
  • The findings contradict claims made by Donald Trump last September, which had caused anxiety among expectant mothers.
  • The research, a large-scale systematic review and meta-analysis led by Professor Asma Khalil, analyzed data from 43 previous studies involving hundreds of thousands of children.
  • The study concluded that earlier concerns were likely due to confounding factors like genetics or underlying medical reasons for paracetamol use.
  • Health authorities worldwide continue to recommend paracetamol as the safest option for pain and fever during pregnancy, emphasizing risks of untreated conditions.

Why It Matters: Major study debunks claims, confirming paracetamol is safe for pregnant women when used appropriately.

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