By Muhammad Amaan
A new report on Monday has said that no clear link between paracetamol use by pregnant women to autism in their children.
This was contained in a comprehensive review of the existing evidence published on Monday by a team of researchers in the British medical journal BMJ.
This is coming barely two months after the World Health Organisation (WHO) clarified that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and the use of acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, during pregnancy.
The WHO’s clarification was in reaction to US President Donald Trump’s claim linking childhood vaccine use and taking paracetamol by pregnant women to autism.
But on Monday, the researchers in their review of all the scientific research already conducted on the subject maintained that there was no evidence linking autism to paracetamol use in pregnancy.
“Existing evidence does not show a clear link between in utero exposure to paracetamol and autism and ADHD in offspring,” the UK-led team of researchers wrote in the review.
The WHO had, in its justification, said, “Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association has been established,” the statement read.
The global health body urged pregnant women to continue following their doctors’ advice.
“WHO recommends that all women continue to follow the advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines.
“Any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals,” the statement added.
