A new study published in Nature Mental Health has found a potential link between paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in unborn babies. The research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, found that women who took paracetamol during pregnancy were 18% more likely to have a child with ADHD, compared to those who did not use the drug.
The study, which analyzed data from over 100,000 pregnancies, revealed that girls were more likely to develop ADHD after prenatal exposure to paracetamol. The researchers could not identify any specific reason for this increased risk in girls.
To minimize potential risks, pregnant women are advised to discuss their medication options with their healthcare provider and explore alternative pain relief methods, such as triptans, which may be safer during pregnancy. The FDA is also urged to re-evaluate the safety of paracetamol during pregnancy, following previous discoveries of side effects including metabolic acidosis, liver damage, allergic reactions, and blood count disorders.
Source: https://www.onmanorama.com/lifestyle/health/2025/02/27/paracetamol-can-affect-pregnant-women-details.html