Study Debunks Trump Claim on Paracetamol and Autism Link
A comprehensive review of evidence has definitively rejected US President Donald Trump's assertion that taking paracetamol during pregnancy increases the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities in children. The gold-standard study, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women's Health, analyzed data from 43 previous studies and found no link between maternal paracetamol use and neurodevelopmental issues.
The findings are a stark rebuke to Trump's remarks last September, which sparked widespread anxiety among pregnant women. At the time, he claimed that paracetamol was too hazardous for expectant mothers and advised doctors to advise them against using it. However, the study conclusively debunks these claims, stating that "there is no evidence whatsoever to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism, ADHD or disabilities in their children."
The researchers behind the study emphasize that familial and genetic factors are more plausible explanations for observed associations between paracetamol use and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Furthermore, they suggest that the underlying health condition prompting regular paracetamol use may play a more significant role in shaping a child's neurodevelopmental status than the medication itself.
Health experts have welcomed the study's findings, urging expectant mothers to disregard any misinformation about paracetamol's safety during pregnancy. "Expectant mothers do not need the stress of questioning whether medicine most commonly used for a headache could have far-reaching effects on their child's health," said Grainne McAlonan, a professor at King's College London.
The study's lead author, Professor Asma Khalil, stressed that paracetamol remains a safe option during pregnancy when taken as guided. "This is important because paracetamol is the first-line medication we recommend for pregnant women in pain or with a fever," she said. "They should feel reassured that they still have a safe option to relieve them of their symptoms."
The study's release has been hailed as a significant victory for public health, ensuring that pregnant women are not subjected to unnecessary anxiety and misinformation about the safety of paracetamol during pregnancy.
A comprehensive review of evidence has definitively rejected US President Donald Trump's assertion that taking paracetamol during pregnancy increases the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities in children. The gold-standard study, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women's Health, analyzed data from 43 previous studies and found no link between maternal paracetamol use and neurodevelopmental issues.
The findings are a stark rebuke to Trump's remarks last September, which sparked widespread anxiety among pregnant women. At the time, he claimed that paracetamol was too hazardous for expectant mothers and advised doctors to advise them against using it. However, the study conclusively debunks these claims, stating that "there is no evidence whatsoever to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism, ADHD or disabilities in their children."
The researchers behind the study emphasize that familial and genetic factors are more plausible explanations for observed associations between paracetamol use and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Furthermore, they suggest that the underlying health condition prompting regular paracetamol use may play a more significant role in shaping a child's neurodevelopmental status than the medication itself.
Health experts have welcomed the study's findings, urging expectant mothers to disregard any misinformation about paracetamol's safety during pregnancy. "Expectant mothers do not need the stress of questioning whether medicine most commonly used for a headache could have far-reaching effects on their child's health," said Grainne McAlonan, a professor at King's College London.
The study's lead author, Professor Asma Khalil, stressed that paracetamol remains a safe option during pregnancy when taken as guided. "This is important because paracetamol is the first-line medication we recommend for pregnant women in pain or with a fever," she said. "They should feel reassured that they still have a safe option to relieve them of their symptoms."
The study's release has been hailed as a significant victory for public health, ensuring that pregnant women are not subjected to unnecessary anxiety and misinformation about the safety of paracetamol during pregnancy.
I'm so glad this study came out! I mean, can you even imagine if all those expectant moms were stressing out about taking paracetamol just because Trump said it was bad for their kids? It's like, no worries, ladies! 
The science is clear: paracetamol is safe when taken as directed. And let's be real, moms need a break from those headaches and fevers too 
. This study is all about setting the record straight and giving pregnant women peace of mind. It's not about politics; it's about people's health! 
I'm so relieved this myth is finally debunked! As a parent myself, it's terrifying when we can't provide our little ones with clear info on what's safe for them during pregnancy 
. Trump's claim was just plain scary and I'm sure many mums-to-be were worried sick 
. But thankfully, this study sets the record straight - paracetamol is still a safe option when taken as directed 
. It's amazing how quickly misinformation can spread, but it's heartening to see credible health experts like Grainne McAlonan speaking out and setting the facts straight 
. Now let's all breathe a collective sigh of relief (and maybe even give ourselves a virtual hug) 
!
. Anyways, glad we got some actual science to debunk all that hype! It just makes sense - family history and genetics matter way more than what meds you take during pregnancy 
. And yeah, paracetamol is still a safe option for pregnant women... just remember, don't overdo it on the dose, 'kay? 
I remember hearing him say it could cause all these problems and it freaked me out! 
But it turns out that's just not true 
. The researchers said it's actually the other way around, like, if there's an underlying health issue, it's more likely to affect a kid's brain development than the medicine itself 
. So yeah, paracetamol is still safe to take during pregnancy 
. It's just good to know that we can trust our doctors for advice on what's best for us and our babies 
.
. And honestly, it just goes to show that misinformation can spread like wildfire and cause real anxiety. We need more fact-checking and less speculation in our politics 
. This study is a great reminder that science and evidence should always be the foundation of public health advice 
.
the lead author said paracetamol is still safe when taken as prescribed so yay 
let's just get back to taking our meds and living our best lives 
but seriously, it's so good to see this study come out and just shut that down 
anyone who's been stressing about taking meds during pregnancy can finally relax 
grainne mcalonan makes a great point too - we shouldn't be stressing about the meds when there's more important things to worry about like having a healthy pregnancy in the first place 
the fact that doctors had to deal with all that misinformation from him is just ridiculous, but i guess it's good that they're finally setting the record straight 
so yeah, let's all breathe a sigh of relief and just take paracetamol as needed without freaking out about it anymore