Paracetamol During Pregnancy: Consumption of paracetamol during pregnancy can increase the risk of serious diseases like autism and ADHD in children. Know how...

Paracetamol During Pregnancy: Whenever we have a mild fever or headache, the first medicine that comes to mind is Paracetamol . It is the most widely used pain and fever reducing medicine in the world. But do you know that consuming it during pregnancy can cause serious danger to children?

A recent large study has found that repeated use of paracetamol during pregnancy can increase the risk of neurological problems like autism and ADHD in children.

What did the study reveal?

• This study was conducted by researchers from Mount Sinai and Harvard School of Public Health.
• In this, data of more than 1 lakh people from 46 old studies was analyzed.
• The researchers looked at the effect of paracetamol on children at what stage of pregnancy (first, second, or third trimester) they took
• The results found that children of mothers who took more paracetamol during pregnancy had an increased risk of autism and ADHD

Why is this research important?

Paracetamol is often considered a safe drug and is available in medical stores without a prescription. But research says that its excessive consumption can affect the brain development of the fetus. Researchers say that if this drug is taken excessively during pregnancy, the risk of diseases like lack of attention and difficulties in social behavior can increase in children .

Doctors advice

Dr. Didier Prada of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York says that pregnant women should not stop taking paracetamol without consulting a doctor . If fever or pain is not treated, it can also be harmful for the baby.

• Instead of completely stopping this medicine, consult your doctor and take it in small quantities and only when needed
• Non-drug options (such as home remedies, relaxation , or proper rest) should be tried where possible

Danger signals were received earlier as well

• Last year, scientists from the University of Nottingham did another research
• It found that those who regularly used paracetamol had a 24 % higher risk of bleeding from stomach ulcers and a 36 % higher risk of bleeding from the intestines
• This means that excessive use of paracetamol can have many negative effects on the body

Paracetamol may be a common medicine in every household, but it should be used very carefully during pregnancy. Research clearly shows that its excessive use can be harmful for children in the long run. Therefore, the best solution is that pregnant women should take medicines only after consulting a doctor and, where possible, adopt natural and safe alternatives.