The safety of paracetamol during pregnancy

The DSRU confirms that current evidence does not support a causal link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism.

A large and rigorous Swedish study published in JAMA in 2024 found no increased risk when comparing siblings, suggesting that earlier associations found in other studies were likely explained by other factors, such as underlying illness, infection, or difficulties in accurately measuring paracetamol use.

Paracetamol continues to be recommended as the first choice for pain and fever in pregnancy when used at the recommended doses, as alternatives carry known risks and untreated symptoms may also be harmful for both mother and baby.

The DSRU emphasises that the safety of paracetamol use in pregnancy is continually monitored in the UK and internationally and that any new evidence will be carefully evaluated.