Study Links Common Painkiller Use in Pregnancy to Higher Autism, ADHD Risk in Children - Video

Prenatal exposure to acetaminophen — a widely used over-the-counter pain reliever — may be associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new study published in BMC Environmental Health. Conducted by researchers at the Icahn School of

Acetaminophen, known globally as paracetamol, is the most commonly used medication for pain and fever relief during pregnancy. More than half of pregnant women worldwide reportedly use the drug. While it has long been considered the safest option during pregnancy, the Mount Sinai-led review of 46 studies involving over 100,000 participants now challenges that assumption.

Using the Navigation Guide Systematic Review framework, the team evaluated each study’s risk of bias, data completeness, and overall evidence strength. Their analysis revealed that higher-quality studies were more likely to find a link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and increased risks of autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children.

“Our findings show that higher-quality studies are more likely to show a link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and increased risks of autism and ADHD,” said Dr. Diddier Prada, lead author and Assistant Professor of Population Health Science and Policy at Mount Sinai. “Given the widespread use of this medication, even a small increase in risk could have major public health implications.”

The study also discussed potential biological mechanisms, including oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and epigenetic changes affecting fetal brain development. While it does not establish causation, the findings support stronger warnings, limited use under medical supervision, and an urgent need for safer alternatives.

Dr. Prada cautioned, “Pregnant women should not stop taking medication without consulting their doctors. Untreated pain or fever can also harm the baby.”

With rising rates of autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder globally, the study underscores the need for revised clinical guidelines and enhanced patient-provider communication.

Reference: Prada, D., Ritz, B., Bauer, A.Z. et al. Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology. Environ Health 24, 56 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-025-01208-0