The myth has been disproved.
A comprehensive study, involving the analysis of over 2.4 million children born in Sweden, has found no evidence linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to an increased risk of childhood autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability. This study, considered the largest of its kind, included siblings who were not exposed to the drug before birth, enabling researchers to control for genetic and environmental factors that could influence the outcomes.
Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on April 9, the study’s results provided reassurance to expectant parents who rely on acetaminophen for pain or fever management during pregnancy. Co-senior author Renee Gardner from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute emphasized the significance of these findings, particularly in light of limited safe alternatives available for pain relief during pregnancy.
Acetaminophen, commonly known as the active ingredient in Tylenol and present in various cold and flu medications, has raised concerns in recent years regarding its potential impact on fetal development. However, the study’s extensive examination of medication use during pregnancy from 1995 to 2019 revealed that fewer than 8% of the children were exposed to acetaminophen in utero.
Following the children through age 26, researchers observed a slight increase in the overall population’s risk of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability. Yet, when comparing siblings exposed to acetaminophen with those who were not, no increased risk was identified. This suggests that any elevated risk of developmental disorders found in the general population was likely attributable to factors other than acetaminophen use during pregnancy.
Co-senior author Brian Lee from Drexel University School of Public Health emphasized the complex interplay of various health and familial factors in influencing neurodevelopmental outcomes. While acknowledging the need for further research to elucidate these mechanisms, the study underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making for expectant parents facing the dilemma of pain management during pregnancy.
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