UK pregnant women seek guidance on paracetamol after Trump claims; health authorities reiterate safety

Pregnant women in Britain have begun contacting pharmacies for advice about paracetamol after President Donald Trump claimed the painkiller is linked to autism. In remarks that circulated widely, Mr. Trump said there had been a 'meteoric rise' in autism and suggested Tylenol, known as paracetamol in the UK, could be a cause. He urged that the drug should not be taken during pregnancy and also raised unfounded concerns about vaccines. Health officials and experts quickly dismissed the link as misinformation.

The Independent Pharmacies Association said local pharmacists had seen a rise in inquiries from expectant mothers about paracetamol. IPA chief executive Dr Leyla Hannbeck told the Daily Mail that 'pregnant women have been contacting their local pharmacists asking about the impact of paracetamol' and emphasized that paracetamol is safe in pregnancy when used at the recommended dose. 'Pain and fever if left untreated can have more impact on the baby in pregnancy than taking paracetamol as per the recommended dose,' she said, adding that pharmacists can provide guidance if patients are worried. She also urged that information from the White House be aligned with evidence to avoid patient safety issues.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting told ITV's Lorraine that there is no evidence linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism, citing a 2024 Swedish study of 2.4 million children that did not support such a link. He urged pregnant women not to pay attention to Trump’s medical claims and to listen to doctors, the NHS and scientists instead. The NHS notes that paracetamol is the first-choice painkiller during pregnancy when used at the lowest effective dose.

Meanwhile, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. MHRA chief safety officer Dr Alison Cave said paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed and that untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby. 'Our advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence,' she said, adding that adverse effects should be reported via the Yellow Card scheme.

Mel Merritt, head of policy and campaigns at the National Autistic Society, condemned the spread of misinformation and urged the government and NHS to stand by autistic people and families. The NHS and the National Autistic Society have stressed relying on trusted sources for information about autism and vaccines. Experts note that increases in US autism diagnoses in recent years largely reflect broader definitions and improved recognition. In the UK, NHS guidance emphasizes safety and appropriate use of paracetamol during pregnancy.

Researchers have highlighted a broader body of evidence on acetaminophen exposure. An August study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Mount Sinai Hospital reported that exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy may be associated with a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD. The authors urged limiting acetaminophen use while acknowledging its role in treating fever and pain, and cautioned that the findings do not prove causation. They called for careful interpretation and further research. Experts stressed that any use should be discussed with a healthcare professional to balance benefits and potential risks.

Overall, health officials say pregnant women should follow NHS guidance and consult their clinician or pharmacist with any questions about medications. The episode underscores how misinformation about medicine can prompt real-world health questions, but UK authorities emphasized that current guidance on paracetamol use in pregnancy remains unchanged and that trusted medical sources should be the primary reference for expectant mothers.