After Trump's warning... Doctors explain the effects of paracetamol on pregnancy

The effect of paracetamol on pregnancy

 After Trump's warning... Doctors explain the effects of paracetamol on pregnancy

A few days ago, US President Donald Trump sparked widespread controversy after warning against the use of paracetamol, also known in America as Tylenol, during pregnancy. He argued that it may be linked to an increased risk of children developing autism spectrum disorder, and urged pregnant women to avoid it as much as possible.

Following these statements, questions escalated among the public about the validity of this claim that paracetamol actually causes autism in children.

No conclusive evidence

In this context, Dr. Khaled Amin, Assistant Secretary-General of the Doctors Syndicate and a consultant in obstetrics and gynecology, explained that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence proving that the use of paracetamol during pregnancy directly causes autism.

He added that some observational studies have indicated that frequent and prolonged use of the drug, especially in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, may be associated with a slight increase in the likelihood of children developing autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

However, he emphasized that these studies suffer from several limitations, including genetic and environmental factors, the mother's coexistence with other diseases, and the possibility of her taking additional medications simultaneously. These limitations render the results merely a weak correlation that falls short of proving a direct causal relationship. He emphasized that deeper and more accurate research is needed.

Amin pointed out that the current scientific position remains clear, as major organizations such as the World Health Organization, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the British National Health Service consider paracetamol to remain the safest first choice for pregnant women when needed.

Medical Supervision

For his part, Dr. Gamal Shaaban, a cardiologist and former dean of the Egyptian Heart Institute, explained that the use of painkillers such as paracetamol and Panadol should be in measured doses and under medical supervision, especially for pregnant women in the first trimester. He warned that chronic use of these medications can result in serious side effects for both the mother and the fetus.

Regarding Trump's statements, Shaaban said they were based on previous observations from the US Food and Drug Administration, which warned doctors—particularly obstetricians—to be cautious about over-prescribing paracetamol to pregnant women. He pointed out that some recent studies have indeed identified a possible link between indiscriminate and prolonged use of the drug and increased rates of autism, but that conclusive evidence is still needed.

He also noted that the situation in Egypt is not much different, as a large segment of citizens resort to taking these medications randomly and without medical advice. He warned that chronic overuse can lead to serious damage to the liver, kidneys, and blood vessels, and may even increase the risk of blood clots.

No Safety at All

In the same context, Dr. Maher Shams, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, confirmed that paracetamol has been classified for many years as a safe drug, but the increasing rates of autism spectrum disorder have prompted the emergence of recent studies indicating a possible link. He noted that some research has also examined the effects of other medications, such as cortisone.

He explained that paracetamol was considered the safest medication for pregnant women to reduce fever and relieve pain, but he emphasized that "no medication is absolutely safe." He called for rational use, especially during the first three months of pregnancy, emphasizing that other alternatives often carry more serious side effects.

Shams concluded by saying that limiting indiscriminate and excessive use remains essential to preserving the health of the mother and fetus. He emphasized that the current rumours about the drug's link to autism are only preliminary findings that require further research, "but it is important to take them seriously and take them into consideration."