The Facts
- There is no proof that taking paracetamol when pregnant causes autism in children.
- A big study in Sweden in 2024 looked at 2.4 million children and found no link between paracetamol and autism.
- Pain and fever can harm your baby if not treated. Paracetamol is still the safest pain relief for pregnant women when used as told.
- Do not switch to medicines like ibuprofen. These are usually not safe in pregnancy.
The Evidence
- The biggest study so far was done by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.
- It looked at 2.4 million children born between 1995 and 2019.
- Researchers compared brothers and sisters where the mum took paracetamol in one pregnancy but not the other.
- They found no link between paracetamol use and autism.
MHRA's Comment
Dr Alison Cave from the MHRA said:
Patient safety is our top priority. There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy. Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment.
Our advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence. Any new evidence that could affect our recommendations would be carefully evaluated by our independent scientific experts.
We continuously monitor the safety of all medicines, including those used during pregnancy, through robust monitoring and surveillance. We encourage anyone to report any suspected side effects to us via the Yellow Card scheme.
Questions & Answers
Is paracetamol safe in pregnancy?
Yes. It is safe when used as told. NHS says it should be the first choice for pain. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time. If pain stays, ask your doctor.
Should pregnant women stop taking paracetamol?
No. Keep following medical advice. If worried, speak to your doctor.
Will the MHRA change its advice after the US news?
No. Recent studies show no link between paracetamol and autism.
Does MHRA act only when a link is proven?
No. MHRA acts if new evidence shows a risk that is bigger than the benefit.
How does MHRA check medicine safety in pregnancy?
They use reports from doctors and patients, study health data, and review global research. They update advice when needed.