Acetaminophen in pregnancy linked to autism, ADHD risk.
Study links prenatal acetaminophen use to autism and ADHD risk in children.
Why it matters
- Acetaminophen is widely used during pregnancy.
- First study to use rigorous methodology to evaluate existing literature.
- Potential public health implications due to widespread use.
By the numbers
- Reviewed 46 studies with over 100,000 participants.
- Used by more than half of pregnant women worldwide.
The big picture
- Challenges the perception of acetaminophen as the safest option.
- Calls for caution, further study, and updated clinical guidelines.
- Highlights the need for safer alternatives and public health policy changes.
What they're saying
- Some suggest infections could be the true cause, not acetaminophen.
- Skepticism about correlation vs causation without a clear mechanism.
- Previous evidence supports this link.
Caveats
- Study shows association, not causation.
- Untreated pain or fever can harm the baby; consult doctors before stopping medication.
What’s next
- More research to confirm findings and identify safer alternatives.