New studies reveal that there is a significant link between acetaminophen and autism, as well as ADHD. Autism is a brain disorder and pain relievers can affect pregnant women and their newborns.
The researchers collected health data from 73,000 mother-baby pairs in Europe. Researchers from the University of Barcelona conducted this study considering previous studies that supported the same conclusion. These experts discovered how acetaminophen affected unborn babies with autism more than those who were not exposed to this drug. The study found that 19% of fetuses showed autism, while 21% showed symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder) as young children.
What is the drug paracetamol?
The common name for this drug is acetaminophen and about 52 million people in the US take acetaminophen. Additionally, about 600 medications contain acetaminophen, an over-the-counter pain reliever, as well as a prescription pain reliever.
Research shows that between 46% and 56% of pregnant women use acetaminophen. Doctors consider this drug to be very safe for both the fetus and the mother, but this study is very shocking. Now, the question arises of how doctors should treat a pregnant woman’s fever or pain.
According to Jordi Sunyer, co-author of this study, “paracetamol is a safe anti-inflammatory drug during pregnancy, but its side effects are alarming.” At the same time, he said, “acetaminophen can prevent a pregnant woman from having other health risks related to fever. Therefore, women cannot stop taking this drug.”
Some previous studies revealed that acetaminophen can enter the fetus’s body through a wall known as the placenta, which is a protective barrier made of cellular tissues that protect the fetus’s circulatory system. But, once the drug enters the body of the fetus, it affects the circulation of hormones, resulting in poor development. Leading research expert Silvia Alemany stated that the result of this study is relevant to previous studies.
A combination of previous and recent studies in pregnant women shows that pain relievers like acetaminophen can cause autism in the newborn. Researchers say that the drug enters the body of the fetus through a thin wall and can cause autism at a young age. However, sometimes the disease appears later in adulthood. At the same time, acetaminophen is the only pain reliever that doctors consider safe during pregnancy, so women can’t stop it. But women should try to avoid drugs during pregnancy. Autism is not curable; however, your symptoms can be reduced by treatment, including therapy. Certain support programs also help a child with autism.