New Review Debunks Claim That Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Causes Autism and ADHD in Children
A major new review published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health has found that using acetaminophen as directed during pregnancy does not increase a child's risk of autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disability.
This conclusion holds up even when studies with more than five years of follow-up are included in the analysis.
Earlier observational studies have produced mixed results on this topic, with some suggesting that the medication may be associated with an increased risk of these conditions. However, the new meta-analysis, which reviewed results from about 60 studies, found no link to developmental disorders when expectant people used acetaminophen according to the label.
Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used medications in pregnancy and is often recommended as a first option for pain or fever by doctors.
In sibling-comparison studies, which look at siblings born to the same mother when one pregnancy involved taking acetaminophen and another did not, exposure to the medication during pregnancy was not associated with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or any other intellectual disability.
The review may help explain why earlier observational studies appeared to show a possible link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and developmental disorders.
People do not take acetaminophen randomly but for symptoms such as fever, infection, inflammation, or pain. These symptoms may also be linked to brain development of a fetus, making it possible to confuse the effects of the underlying condition with the effects of the medication.
Untreated fever has documented associations with serious pregnancy and fetal risks. The alternative pain medications – NSAIDs, opioids – carry their own pregnancy risks. Acetaminophen remains the safest option when medication is needed, according to experts.
The review highlights that studies linking acetaminophen use in pregnancy to autism or other conditions are vulnerable to misinterpretation and can be persuasive, especially when shared on social media.
In general, ACOG advises using acetaminophen when needed, following the label instructions, seeking medical guidance when appropriate, and paying attention to symptoms that prompt the drug's use.
A major new review published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health has found that using acetaminophen as directed during pregnancy does not increase a child's risk of autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disability.
This conclusion holds up even when studies with more than five years of follow-up are included in the analysis.
Earlier observational studies have produced mixed results on this topic, with some suggesting that the medication may be associated with an increased risk of these conditions. However, the new meta-analysis, which reviewed results from about 60 studies, found no link to developmental disorders when expectant people used acetaminophen according to the label.
Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used medications in pregnancy and is often recommended as a first option for pain or fever by doctors.
In sibling-comparison studies, which look at siblings born to the same mother when one pregnancy involved taking acetaminophen and another did not, exposure to the medication during pregnancy was not associated with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or any other intellectual disability.
The review may help explain why earlier observational studies appeared to show a possible link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and developmental disorders.
People do not take acetaminophen randomly but for symptoms such as fever, infection, inflammation, or pain. These symptoms may also be linked to brain development of a fetus, making it possible to confuse the effects of the underlying condition with the effects of the medication.
Untreated fever has documented associations with serious pregnancy and fetal risks. The alternative pain medications – NSAIDs, opioids – carry their own pregnancy risks. Acetaminophen remains the safest option when medication is needed, according to experts.
The review highlights that studies linking acetaminophen use in pregnancy to autism or other conditions are vulnerable to misinterpretation and can be persuasive, especially when shared on social media.
In general, ACOG advises using acetaminophen when needed, following the label instructions, seeking medical guidance when appropriate, and paying attention to symptoms that prompt the drug's use.
! those mixed results were giving me anxiety thinking about my own baby days lol... anyway, it makes total sense that these studies had conflicting results - it's not like we can just isolate acetaminophen from other symptoms, right? 
. and honestly, untreated fever is way more concerning than a lil' acetaminophen use #safepregnancypractices #medicationfacts #momlife 
just read this review about acetaminophen during pregnancy and I'm so relieved! it seems all those worried parents were misinformed 
the study shows taking acetaminophen as directed has no link to autism, ADHD or intellectual disability 
anyhoo, glad this review is shedding some light on this topic 
So I just read about this new review that says taking acetaminophen during pregnancy doesn't cause autism or ADHD in kids 
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. It's always good to consult with experts and follow reputable sources for accurate info 
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. But it makes total sense now - my doc always said it was safe as long as we take it according to the label, but sometimes I got nervous about it 
. My only concern now is spreading the word and helping others feel better too, so we don't get caught up in those scary study findings again 
. The review makes so much sense - those early observational studies were probably just catching symptoms of underlying conditions, not the medication itself. And it's true, acetaminophen is still the safest option for moms when they need to medicate, even if other pain meds have their own risks 
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. Fever's a real killer, especially during pregnancy. And if you're gonna prescribe something for pain or fever, acetaminophen's your best bet. The fact that studies kept getting all mixed up is just because no one's actually watching what they're doing online... it's social media drama at its finest 
. And let's be real, NSAIDs and opioids have their own problems. It's not like acetaminophen's some magical solution or anything. It's just a common sense approach to medicine. I mean, come on, if you're worried about autism or ADHD, just make sure you're taking care of yourself and your kid in general... that's the real magic 
. I mean, sure, some studies might have shown mixed results, but when you take all the data together... it makes total sense. And honestly, I'm not surprised - most people don't even think twice before taking their meds as prescribed 
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. The review also points out that those earlier studies might have been misinterpreted or shared on social media, which is a big factor in how scientific findings get spread around online 
. Anyway, it's reassuring to know that acetaminophen is still considered the safest option when we need pain relief during pregnancy 
anyone who took meds during pregnancy when they needed to can breathe a sigh of relief 
its not just about acetaminophen tho, untreated fevers are super risky for pregnancies so that's still a big concern 
. This review just helps us make informed decisions about our health during pregnancy, which is always a good thing 
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. And let's be real, untreated fever is way more concerning than acetaminophen! 
Plus, those alternative pain meds have their own risks, so acetaminophen is still the safest bet when needed 
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I've been reading everything about it on Reddit and my friend's Facebook group. It's like, finally some proof that acetaminophen is safe for pregnant people! 
Like, fever can be super bad for the fetus, so maybe we're seeing that more in people who take acetaminophen? 
My sister is actually a nurse and she's been telling me all about how acetaminophen is still the safest option when you need it. So yeah, I'm super relieved that we can finally feel good about taking care of our bodies while pregnant. 