Recent research indicates that children born to mothers who used paracetamol during pregnancy may have a higher likelihood of developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This finding, stemming from a focused study, suggests a potential link between the frequently used pain reliever and fetal brain development issues.
Conflicting evidence has emerged from earlier studies involving paracetamol and neurodevelopmental disorders. A notable 2019 study with over 4,700 participants found that maternal use of the painkiller during pregnancy increased the risk of ADHD in children by 20%. Conversely, a large-scale analysis conducted last year, which examined nearly 2.5 million children, found no similar association when siblings were compared based on in-utero exposure.
One significant challenge in these studies is the reliance on self-reported medication use, leading to potential underreporting. For instance, only 7% of mothers in the 2019 study acknowledged taking paracetamol during pregnancy, a stark contrast to the nearly 50% seen in other reports. Researchers have noted that many may unknowingly consume paracetamol through cold medications.
To enhance the accuracy of their findings, researchers collected blood samples from 307 pregnant women in Tennessee during their second trimester. These women were not using chronic condition medications and had no known pregnancy complications. The follow-up occurred when the children reached 8 to 10 years old. Notably, ADHD affects approximately 8% of children aged 5 to 11 in the U.S.
The results indicated that children whose mothers had detectable levels of paracetamol in their blood were three times more likely to have an ADHD diagnosis, even when accounting for various maternal factors such as age, body mass index, socioeconomic status, and family mental health history. This points towards an elevated risk associated with paracetamol use during pregnancy.
However, there are concerns that other factors prompting the need for pain relief, such as health conditions causing headaches or fevers, could instead account for the increased ADHD risk. Researchers emphasize the need to explore these underlying reasons further.
Nonetheless, a subsequent analysis examining placental tissue from 174 participants revealed significant metabolic and immune changes linked to paracetamol use, consistent with findings from previous animal studies that investigated the drug’s effects in the absence of external health issues.
While these findings lend support to a potential causal relationship, researchers caution that the study’s limitations, including a small, homogeneous sample size and a singular measurement of blood markers, restrict wider application of the results. Furthermore, paracetamol is typically the recommended pain relief medication during pregnancy, which calls for ongoing review by health authorities.
Expectant mothers are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers if they have concerns regarding paracetamol use during pregnancy.
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