Paracetamol and pregnancy update
Drug Safety Update: The MHRA has published a reminder that taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe.
Published: 24 September 2025
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published a drug safety update for paracetamol in pregnancy.
A recent US announcement suggested a link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism. However, there is no robust evidence to support this claim. The Drug Safety Update outlines the current evidence.
Patients should be reminded and reassured that there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Paracetamol is recommended as the first-choice pain reliever for pregnant women, used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration.
Further information and advice can be found on the MHRA website.