Prenatal paracetamol exposure and child neurodevelopment: a systematic review and meta-analysis (16 January 2026)

Summary

Concerns have emerged about the impact of paracetamol use in pregnancy on child neurodevelopment, particularly in relation to autism spectrum disorder. This study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health journal aimed to synthesise available evidence to investigate associations between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability.

The current evidence does not indicate a clinically important increase in the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children of pregnant individuals who use paracetamol as directed, supporting existing recommendations on its safety.