Before the child lamp: symptoms, causes, treatment
Pre-Lamp is a condition of hypertension that occurs during pregnancy.
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New research shows that the most common over-the-counter painkillers used during pregnancy may be associated with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study contributes to a set of evidence that sparked controversy in the scientific community.
Acetaminophen, often sold under the brand name Tylenol, has long been considered the safest option for managing headaches, fever and other pains during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians recommends taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil for limited use in the second phase if acetaminophen or other methods do not work.
However, researchers at Icahn School of Medicine in Mount Sinai have looked at a study that includes more than 100,000 participants and found that there is a tendency to find a link between using this painkiller during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders in children, according to a report published on August 14 at BMC Environmental Health.
“Given the widespread use of this drug therapy, even a small increase in risk can have a significant public health impact,” said Dr. Didia Prada, assistant professor of population health sciences and policy, environmental medicine and climate science at Icahn School of Medicine in Mount Sinai.
Over 20 studies worldwide have found that pregnant people frequently use acetaminophen to link autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
However, some studies have also found competing evidence. A 2024 study in Sweden found that over 180,000 children who were exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy had no association between painkillers and the risk of children with autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability.
A federal judge found that the 440 lawsuits against Tylenol makers lacked “acceptable evidence” that would indicate a link between Tylenol and prenatal use of autism or ADHD, according to an ABC News report.
In a 2015 safety announcement, the Food and Drug Administration determined that research was “too limited” and “too limited” to develop recommendations based on available research at the time.
A committee of the Maternal Fetal Medicine Association, a nonprofit of 5,000 people, decided in 2017 that “the weight of evidence is inconclusive.”
“The SMFM Publishing Committee continues to recommend that acetaminophen be considered a reasonable and appropriate medication choice for the treatment of pain and fever during pregnancy,” the report concluded.
Prada acknowledges carrying inherent biases to the observational studies that constitute the reports he wrote. Some people rely on survey responses from women who cannot accurately remember their habits during pregnancy.
Findings from his study suggest that further research is needed to understand how acetaminophen affects maternal fetal health outcomes, Prada said. They also highlight the urgent need to explore other medications and methods to relieve pain and fever in pregnant people.
“Pregnant women should not stop taking medication without consulting their doctor,” Prada said. “Untreated pain and fever can also be harmful to babies. Our research highlights the importance of discussing the safest approaches with healthcare providers and considering non-drug options whenever possible.”
Adrianna Rodriguez can visit adrodriguez@usatoday.com.
