A recent study suggests that children exposed to acetaminophen—commonly known as Tylenol or paracetamol—during pregnancy might have a higher risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism and ADHD.
This study was published in BMC Environmental Health and led by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, with senior author Andrea Baccarelli, a professor and dean at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The researchers examined data from 46 prior studies from around the world, all looking at the potential connection between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and later NDDs in children. They applied the Navigation Guide Systematic Review methodology, a rigorous framework for evaluating environmental health data, which reinforced the evidence of a link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and an increased risk of NDDs.
While the researchers emphasized the need to limit acetaminophen use, they acknowledged that the medication is crucial for managing pain and fever during pregnancy, as untreated high fever can harm the developing fetus and raise the risks of neural tube defects and preterm birth. “We advocate for careful acetaminophen use—using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, under medical supervision, based on individual risk-benefit considerations rather than sweeping restrictions,” they noted.
In late September, the Food and Drug Administration announced plans to advise healthcare providers to exercise caution regarding acetaminophen use in pregnancy. Baccarelli mentioned he had discussed his findings with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ahead of the announcement, providing insights that his research uncovered “evidence of an association” between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental disorders. He highlighted that this association is most pronounced when the drug is taken for four weeks or longer.
The study’s statement also acknowledged the necessity for further research to confirm this association and establish causation, but stressed that caution with acetaminophen usage during pregnancy—especially with heavy or prolonged use—should be considered.
It’s worth noting that Baccarelli has provided testimony as an expert witness in cases exploring the links between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders.
This research involved collaboration with the University of California, Los Angeles, University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, with funding from the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the National Institute on Aging.
Summary: A new study indicates that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The research highlights the need for cautious use of the drug during pregnancy, balancing its necessity for managing pain and fever against potential developmental risks.
