No link between paracetamol in pregnancy and autism, say SA experts

South African medical experts have dismissed claims that taking paracetamol during pregnancy could cause autism.

This, after US President Donald Trump endorsed claims that the use of Tylenol – known locally as Panado – might be linked to autism.

In a joint statement, Dr Jarrod Zamparini of the Society of Obstetric Medicine South Africa, Dr Samantha Budhram of the South African Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Prof Ismail Bhorat of the South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, refuted the claim, stressing that available research does not support it.

They said their findings are based on large cohort studies, systematic reviews, sibling-controlled analyses, and authoritative international assessments.

“There is no evidence that taking paracetamol in pregnancy at recommended therapeutic doses causes autism in children,” read the statement.

Although some early studies suggested a possible link, the groups note these were “particularly vulnerable to confounding” by genetic and environmental factors.

By contrast, stronger research, including sibling-controlled studies, has shown “no increased risk of ASD.” A large Swedish study, for example, found that when shared family factors were considered, the association “disappeared.”

The statement also warns of the dangers of leaving symptoms untreated.

Fever in pregnancy, it says, has been “associated with miscarriage, congenital malformations, preterm delivery and intrauterine fetal demise.” Severe or persistent pain can also harm maternal mental health, with consequences for both mother and child.

Against this backdrop, paracetamol remains the safest and most effective first-line treatment for pain and fever. At standard doses (“500–1000 mg up to four times daily, to a maximum of 4 g in 24 hours”) it has not been linked to negative outcomes for mother or child.

“There is no reliable evidence that paracetamol use in pregnancy causes ASD. Clinical practice should not change.”