Authors of the Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines the Australian Living Evidence Collaboration (ALEC), Australian College of Midwives (ACM) and The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) strongly reiterate the vital importance of evidence-based care for pregnant women and clinicians following the U.S. Government suggesting a link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism and ADHD.
These claims have been described by other experts, including ACM and RANZCOG, as potentially harmful because they may discourage women from using safe and effective treatments during pregnancy. “Pregnant people deserve reassurance, not fear. There is no credible evidence linking paracetamol to autism or ADHD. Untreated fever, however, can be harmful. If you need paracetamol, take it with confidence that it’s a safe choice — and always turn to your doctor or midwife for advice, not the internet” said Dr Gillian Gibson, RANZCOG President.
In response Prof. Caroline Homer, Chair of the Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines Steering Committee said, “current scientific evidence does not support claims that taking paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen or Tylenol) during pregnancy causes autism or ADHD in children.”
Misinformation can cause confusion and anxiety for families and may result in under-treatment of pain or fever during pregnancy. Untreated fever in particular can carry genuine risks for both the pregnant woman and her baby. The Therapeutic Goods Administration continues to classify paracetamol as a Category A medicine in pregnancy. This classification means that paracetamol has been widely used in pregnancy without any proven harmful effects.
The Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines is the world’s first living clinical guideline for pregnancy care. Unlike traditional guidelines, which take years to update, living guidelines are continually revised as new evidence emerges. This means clinicians, midwives and consumers can access the best available evidence at the time decisions are being made. They are designed to provide holistic, transparent and up-to-date advice that directly addresses the needs of women, families and clinicians.
Through LEAPP, ALEC’s living systematic reviews and living evidence synthesis allow emerging research to be rigorously assessed in real time. Living guidelines ensure that recommendations for pregnancy care remain current and trustworthy.
ALEC, ACM and RANZCOG are committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of women and babies using the best available evidence. Women who are pregnant and concerned about the use of paracetamol should seek advice from their GP, obstetrician or midwife.
Find out more about the Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines