No Established Link Between Paracetamol Use During Pregnancy And Autism In Children

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is aware of recent US announcements suggesting a potential association between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism in children. HSA would like to advise that there is currently no robust scientific evidence to support this claimed connection.

2        Paracetamol has been used worldwide for decades to manage pain and fever, including in pregnant women. It remains the recommended treatment for pain or fever in pregnant women when used as directed.

3        There is no conclusive scientific evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. While some studies describe an association between paracetamol and neurological conditions such as autism, a causal relationship has not been established. Many other studies also found no such association.

4        HSA has a post-market surveillance programme to continually monitor the safety of medicines used in Singapore. To date, HSA has not detected any safety concerns of paracetamol use during pregnancy causing autism or other neurological issues in children.

Patient advisory

5        Patients are advised of the following:

• Paracetamol can be used for reducing pain or fever during pregnancy if clinically needed. It should be used according to labelled instructions or as prescribed by healthcare professionals. Generally, it should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed.
• Untreated fever or pain during pregnancy can pose risks to the unborn child. Pregnant women should discuss with their healthcare professionals if they have questions or concerns about medications used during pregnancy.
  

6        HSA will continue to monitor relevant scientific evidence, safety signals and international developments in paracetamol use. We will inform healthcare professionals and members of the public if any significant safety risks are detected with medicines.                                                                                                                             

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
26 SEPTEMBER 2025

Download pdf version here Published: 26 Sep 2025

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