National Maternity Hospital on Paracetamol Use During Pregnancy
23 September 2025
Paracetamol (called acetaminophen in the US) is a common medicine used to relieve pain and bring down a fever. It is the first-choice pain medicine during pregnancy and can be taken when needed. Paracetamol has been used safely by many pregnant women for decades, and it has been carefully studied by researchers.
Some recent reports have raised questions about whether taking paracetamol in pregnancy might be linked to conditions like autism or ADHD in children. However, these studies have a number of flaws that make their results unreliable. Other factors —such as family health, genes, or environment—are more likely to explain these conditions. Many well conducted research studies from around the world have not found a link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism or ADHD.
It is important to remember that leaving pain or fever untreated in pregnancy can be harmful. Untreated illness can increase the chances of complications, such as miscarriage, birth defects, or early (pre-term) birth.
Health experts and international organisations, including the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS) have carefully reviewed the evidence and agree: paracetamol is safe to use in pregnancy.
There is no reason to avoid paracetamol if you need it during pregnancy.