Major Study: Common Painkiller Safe in Pregnancy, No Autism Link Found

A major new study confirms that taking paracetamol during pregnancy does not increase the risk of autism in children. Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a common over-the-counter pain and fever medication. The research is a "gold-standard" review of existing studies. It analyzed data from over 200,000 sibling pairs. This method helps rule out other family factors. The findings directly counter long-standing claims that the drug causes neurodevelopmental issues. Such claims have caused significant anxiety among pregnant women and doctors. The study's authors state their work should settle the scientific debate. They emphasize that untreated pain and fever in pregnancy pose well-documented risks. The research supports current medical guidance that paracetamol is a safe option when needed.