New Delhi: Health anxieties often rise with online claims, yet strong medical evidence tells a calmer story. A Danish study published in JAMA Pediatrics has found no link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. The research, examining health records of over 1.5 million children, arrives amid renewed debate in the United States after remarks by President Donald Trump questioning the safety of acetaminophen, known as Tylenol. ASD affects communication, behaviour and sensory processing, and concerns around prenatal exposure to common medicines have circulated for years.
However, this new data provides important clarity. Researchers evaluated dosage, timing during pregnancy and other influencing factors before concluding. Their findings suggest that paracetamol, when used responsibly, does not increase autism risk. For expectant mothers navigating conflicting advice, this large-scale study offers reassurance grounded in long-term, population-level evidence rather than speculation.
Paracetamol and autism study findings
The nationwide Danish study reviewed medical records of children born between 1997 and 2022. More than 31,000 had documented exposure to paracetamol in the womb.
Among those exposed, 1.8 per cent were later diagnosed with ASD. In comparison, three per cent of children who were not exposed received an autism diagnosis.
After adjusting for dosage, frequency and stage of pregnancy, researchers found no increased risk linked to paracetamol use. The findings were published in JAMA Paediatrics, adding substantial weight to the evidence base due to the scale and duration of follow-up.
Donald Trump’s remarks and regulatory response
In September 2025, speaking at the White House, US President Donald Trump advised pregnant women to avoid Tylenol, describing it as “not good”. His remarks prompted criticism from doctors and scientists who said the warning lacked robust scientific backing.
The US Food and Drug Administration has initiated a review to update safety labelling for acetaminophen, noting a possible but unproven association with neurodevelopmental conditions.
US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr also stated that no definitive evidence establishes paracetamol as a cause of autism, though he recommended cautious use.
What do doctors advise pregnant women
ASD is a developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction and sensory experience. Symptoms vary widely, and many individuals lead independent lives with appropriate support.
Earlier research has produced mixed results. A 2024 Swedish study indicated a slight association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and autism or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, experts have noted that such studies may be influenced by confounding factors, including maternal health conditions.
Medical professionals continue to recommend that pregnant women consult their doctors before taking any medication. Paracetamol remains one of the most commonly prescribed pain relievers during pregnancy, typically advised at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.
The latest Danish evidence strengthens confidence in current medical guidance, offering reassurance to expectant mothers seeking clarity amid public debate.