Chandigarh 10 march 2025 :Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet during pregnancy is crucial, as even a minor mistake can harm the baby. Some medications taken during pregnancy not only affect the mother’s health but can also negatively impact the baby’s development. According to a study, consuming paracetamol (acetaminophen), which is generally considered safe during pregnancy, may increase the risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children after birth.
During pregnancy, women commonly experience cold, cough, and fever. In such cases, paracetamol has long been regarded as the safest pain reliever for expectant mothers. However, new research presents contrasting findings.
Scientific Study on Paracetamol Use During Pregnancy
International scientists conducted a study on the use of paracetamol during pregnancy. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 307 pregnant women collected between 2006 and 2011. The findings revealed that children born to mothers who had taken acetaminophen during pregnancy had an 18% higher risk of developing ADHD.
What Does the Study Reveal?
Speaking to the New York Post, Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a pediatrician at Washington University, mentioned that while this drug was approved decades ago, its long-term impact on fetal development has never been thoroughly assessed. The study suggests that paracetamol use during pregnancy may increase the risk of ADHD in children.
Health experts have raised concerns regarding paracetamol use during pregnancy. Additionally, the study found that daughters of mothers who consumed paracetamol had a higher risk of developing ADHD than sons. The impact of common painkillers was found to be six times higher in girls than in boys.
Summary: Studies suggest that taking paracetamol during pregnancy may raise the risk of ADHD in babies, highlighting concerns over its safety for expecting mothers.