A new large study has confirmed that paracetamol is safe during pregnancy and does not increase the risk of autism, ADHD, or developmental problems in children. This research directly counters former US President Donald Trump’s 2023 claims that paracetamol "is no good" for pregnant women and that they should "fight like hell" not to take it. The study, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health, reviewed 43 high-quality research papers, involving hundreds of thousands of pregnancies. It focused on comparing pregnancies where paracetamol was used with those where it was not. Experts carefully checked for other factors like genetics and family environment. Lead author Professor Asma Khalil told the BBC, "When we did this analysis, we found no links, there was no association, there's no evidence that paracetamol increases the risk of autism." She added, "The message is clear – paracetamol remains a safe option during pregnancy when taken as guided." Medical organizations in the UK, US, and Europe already recommend paracetamol as the first choice for pain or fever in pregnant women. The study says previous reports linking paracetamol to autism are likely due to other reasons, not the drug itself. Professor Khalil stressed that avoiding paracetamol to relieve pain or fever can harm babies, raising risks of miscarriage, premature birth, or developmental issues. Other experts praised the study. Professor Grainne McAlonnan of King’s College London said, "Expectant mothers do not need the stress of questioning whether medicine most commonly used for a headache could have far reaching effects on their child's health. I hope the findings of this study bring the matter to a close." Professor Ian Douglas from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine called the review "well-conducted" because it excluded weaker studies. Professor Jan Haavik, a neuroscientist in Norway, said it provides "strong evidence" that paracetamol during pregnancy does not raise autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability risks. Despite this, US health officials remain cautious. The US Department of Health and Human Services noted that several experts have concerns about acetaminophen (US name for paracetamol) in pregnancy. A 2025 Harvard study suggested heavy or long-term use might increase autism and ADHD risks. Earlier, US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr vowed to investigate rising autism rates. The FDA advised doctors to be cautious but still recommends acetaminophen as the only approved drug for fever in pregnancy. The FDA states no proven causal link exists between the drug and neurological problems. UK health officials continue to strongly support paracetamol as the safest painkiller during pregnancy. In short, pregnant women can be confident about using paracetamol as advised. The scare around autism and ADHD risks from this drug is now firmly put to rest.