31 May 2024 – Researchers have found no evidence linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. In a comprehensive study, they analyzed data from thousands of sibling pairs to investigate the potential impact of the medication on neurodevelopmental outcomes.
The study involved comparing siblings where the mother took acetaminophen during one pregnancy but not the other. The results showed no significant difference in the incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, between the children exposed to the medication in utero and those who were not.
These findings provide reassurance to expectant mothers who may need to use acetaminophen for pain or fever relief during pregnancy. The researchers concluded that acetaminophen use during pregnancy does not increase the risk of autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring.
The study was conducted with rigorous methods and a large sample size to ensure the reliability of the findings. The research team emphasized the importance of considering other potential factors that could contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders and advised continued monitoring and research in this area.
