Acetaminophen, commonly known as paracetamol, is one of some pain relievers considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, recent research has raised concerns about its possible impact on the development of the child’s brain. A new study suggests that widely used drugs may be associated with increasing risk of attention deficit activity disorder (ADHD) in children.

What was the study found

Researchers in the United States tracked the level of acetaminophen in the bloodstream of 307 black pregnant women. Their findings have shown that children born to mothers used acetaminophen, the possibility of diagnosis with ADHD was three times higher. This risk appeared even more for female children, which were more than six times the possibility of developing ADHD within the first ten years of their lives.

Although these conclusions may look dangerous, experts emphasize that this study is not decisive alone. Many pregnant women rely on acetaminophen to manage pain or fever, which can be harmful to themselves when untreated. The study shows the need for further research rather than immediate changes in the medical guidelines.

Debate on acetaminophen security

Acetaminophen is widely recommended by health organizations, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicine Agency (EMA), and American College of Obstaterian and Gynecologist (ACOG). These institutes say that acetaminophen is generally safe when used at the shortest effective doses for the shortest period required.

However, a pediatrician from UW Medicine, Dr. Sheela Satyanarayana argues that the long -term effects of the drug on fetal development have not been fully studied. He said, “This drug was approved decades ago and may require revaluation by the FDA,” he said. “Acetaminophen was never evaluated to the explosion of the fetus in relation to long -term neurodevaluate effects.”

Conflict research and concern

Over the years, several studies have examined the potential link between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and neurodevaluate disorders such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Some studies have reported associations, while others have not found enough strong evidence to confirm direct relations.

A challenge in assessing the effects of acetaminophen is accounting for other factors that can contribute to ADHD risk. For example, pregnant women often take acetaminophen for conditions such as fever, infection, or chronic pain, which can affect the development of a child themselves.

Statistical geneticists from Karolinska Institute in Sweden, who were not involved in the study, soon warns against the conclusions of the firm. “The study is not responsible for factors such as the mother’s causes to take acetaminophen, who we know that are the risk factors for adverse child growth,” he told the new scientist.

Caution for caution and further investigation

Despite conflicting research, some scientists believe that precautionary steps should be taken. In 2021, a group of 91 international scientists, physicians and public health professionals published a consensus statement in nature review endocrinology. He recommended that pregnant women take additional precautions when using acetaminophen, including:

– Use it only when he is medical only.

– Consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking regularly.

– Using the least effective dose for the least time.

However, major health organizations have not yet changed their stand. In response to these concerns, ACOG issued a statement confirming its situation: “Neurodevelopmental disorder is multicultural and it is very difficult to connect with a unique cause. The brain does not stop developing until at least 15 months of age, which leaves a place for children to come into contact with many factors which can be possible on these issues.”

What does this mean for pregnant women

For now, the general recommendation remains unchanged: acetaminophen can be used during pregnancy, but only in needs and the lowest effective doses. Pregnant women who experience pain or fever should consult their healthcare provider before taking any medicine. Although this new study raises important questions, experts agree that further research is required to draw definite conclusions.

The study was published in Nature Mental Health and is expected to promote further investigation into the long -term effects of the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy.

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