Major study finds no link between acetaminophen during pregnancy and autism or ADHD

Acetaminophen use during pregnancy does not increase the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities in children, according to a comprehensive study published Jan. 16 in The Lancet.

Researchers at City St George’s University of London conducted a meta-analysis of 43 previous studies to address health concerns that emerged in late 2025. While earlier research suggested a minor statistical link between the drug and developmental disorders, scientists say those studies failed to account for critical factors like family genetics.

The new study addressed these limitations by comparing siblings where one child was exposed to the medication in utero and the other was not. After analyzing data from hundreds of thousands of children, researchers found no evidence that the drug, commonly known by the brand name Tylenol, increased developmental risks.

The research team concluded that previously reported links were likely caused by underlying factors, such as maternal fever or genetic predispositions, rather than the medication itself.

The latest findings published in The Lancet represent more than just a medical update; they serve as a critical case study in the complexities of science communication. In an era where health misinformation proliferates across social media, preliminary studies with limited methodologies often trigger unnecessary alarm among parents. This meta-analysis offers a necessary corrective to that trend.

The study’s significance is rooted in its robust sibling-comparison methodology. By evaluating siblings, researchers utilized a high-standard control for confounding variables—such as genetic predisposition and shared environmental factors—that traditional observational studies often fail to isolate. This rigorous approach provides a higher degree of statistical certainty, allowing healthcare providers and patients to shift from anxiety-driven choices toward evidence-based clinical decisions.

For global health systems and the Vietnamese medical community alike, these results reinforce existing standards of care. Acetaminophen (commonly known as paracetamol) remains one of the most widely utilized over-the-counter (OTC) medications. By providing a high-quality, large-scale synthesis of data, this research effectively dismantles prevailing misinformation. It offers crucial reassurance to expectant mothers that they have a safe, viable option for managing fever and pain—conditions which, if left untreated, can themselves pose significant risks to maternal and fetal health.

This research is essential for Vietnamese-American families who often find themselves navigating a cross-cultural landscape of conflicting health advice. For young mothers—whether they are raising families in Little Saigon or balancing long hours in the nail salon industry—having clear, peer-reviewed evidence from a reputable journal is a game-changer. It empowers them to make informed decisions for their children’s well-being and provides much-needed peace of mind by cutting through the noise of unnecessary health anxieties.