Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability

Several studies suggest that acetaminophen (paracetamol) use during pregnancy may increase risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. If true, this would have substantial implications for management of pain and fever during pregnancy.

To examine the associations of acetaminophen use during pregnancy with children's risk of autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability. Design, Setting, and Participants: This nationwide cohort study with sibling control analysis included a population-based sample of 2 480 797 children born in 1995 to 2019 in Sweden, with follow-up through December 31, 2021. Exposure: Use of acetaminophen during pregnancy prospectively recorded from antenatal and prescription records. Main Outcomes and Measures: Autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes in health registers.