A comprehensive review of 46 studies involving over 2.4 million participants has found that prenatal acetaminophen use is associated with increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in children, especially in higher-quality studies that show a stronger link.

The research suggests that taking paracetamol during pregnancy may elevate the risk of neurodevelopmental issues, although it does not establish causality.

Biological mechanisms underlying this potential link include that acetaminophen crosses the placental barrier and may cause oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and epigenetic changes that interfere with fetal brain development, supported by animal and laboratory studies.

Paracetamol is widely used over-the-counter for pain and fever relief and is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but recent findings raise concerns about its safety.

Current medical guidance recommends pregnant women use the lowest effective dose of acetaminophen for the shortest duration, under medical supervision, to balance pain relief with potential developmental risks.

Experts advise cautious, time-limited use of paracetamol during pregnancy and emphasize the need for further research to confirm these associations.

Limitations of the current studies include reliance on self-reported medication use and observational designs that do not prove causation, highlighting the need for more robust research with direct exposure measurements.

These findings have significant implications for public health policies, clinical guidelines, and patient education regarding medication use during pregnancy.

While causality has not been established, the widespread use of paracetamol among pregnant women and the potential risks identified warrant careful consideration and further investigation.

The review employed the Navigation Guide methodology, and findings indicate that higher-quality studies and dose-response relationships support the link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and developmental disorders.

Although some studies show no association or inverse effects, the majority of evidence points toward a significant link, with confounding factors minimally influencing the results.

Animal and laboratory research reinforce the biological plausibility of this link, suggesting that acetaminophen's crossing of the placental barrier could interfere with fetal brain development through various mechanisms.