MHRA Reaffirms Use of Paracetamol During Pregnancy

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has confirmed that there is no evidence linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism in children.

Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, emphasized, “Patient safety is our top priority. Paracetamol remains the recommended option for pain relief in pregnancy when used as directed.”

Untreated pain and fever can put risks on the unborn baby, making it vital for pregnant women to manage symptoms correctly. The MHRA advises following NHS guidance and referring to a healthcare professional with any questions about medications during pregnancy.

The agency stressed that its recommendations are based on rigorous scientific evidence and nonstop safety monitoring. Any new data that could influence advice will be carefully reviewed by independent experts.

Paracetamol continues to be endorsed as the first-choice painkiller in pregnancy, used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration. Patients should not stop taking prescribed pain medicines without medical guidance.

The MHRA also encourages reporting of any suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme, which helps ensure ongoing monitoring of medicine safety in the UK.

Learn more: MHRA confirms taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe and there is no evidence it causes autism in children – GOV.UK