There is no evidence linking taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) during pregnancy with autism, and this drug is safest in the second trimester for fever and pain.
This was assessed by the interlocutors for "Vijesti", referring to the claims of the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the American Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, and previous scientific studies.
Regarding the statement of the President of the United States of America Donald Trump, which suggested a link between the use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) during pregnancy and autism, the World Health Organization (WHO) pointed out that the available scientific evidence does not support such claims.
Head of the WHO office for Montenegro Mina Brajovic She reiterated the organization's position for "Vijesti", explaining that some studies have investigated a possible link between the use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) during pregnancy and autism, but the results are uneven and often contradictory.
"If there was a strong causal link, it would be consistently observed in all studies. That is not the case," Brajović said.
She also reiterated the WHO's recommendation to expectant mothers - that medications should always be used with caution, especially in the first trimester and only with the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
"Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy helps prevent serious birth defects, such as neural tube defects. Research is ongoing to determine whether folic acid or folinic acid (leucovorin) can also reduce the risk of autism or alleviate symptoms, but the evidence is still inconclusive. We need large, well-designed clinical studies to find out if folic acid is safe, effective. Only the results of such studies can serve as a basis for medical advice," Brajović emphasized.
She said that nearly 62 million people worldwide live with an autism spectrum disorder, and that WHO and partners continue to prioritize research and support for people with autism and their families, as part of the global agenda on mental health and non-communicable diseases.
"The WHO's message is clear: public health decisions must be based solely on science. Pregnant women should follow the advice of their health care providers, and children must be protected by timely vaccination. Every missed dose increases the chance of contracting a life-threatening infectious disease," Brajović stressed.
Several gynecologists with many years of experience, whom "Vijesti" spoke with yesterday, said that paracetamol is recommended as the drug of choice during pregnancy for painful and febrile conditions. First of all, they explain, because of the lowest risk, namely the wide range, which is eight tablets per day.
Gynecologists also pointed out that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists denied Trump's allegations, as well as those of the US Department of Health.
"Suggestions that acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes autism are not only deeply concerning to clinicians, but also irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant women, including those who may have to rely on this beneficial drug during pregnancy," the president said. Steven J. Fleischman.
In a statement, they explained that over more than two decades of research on acetaminophen use during pregnancy, no reputable study has been able to conclude that acetaminophen use in any trimester of pregnancy causes neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
"In fact, the two highest-quality studies on the subject, one of which was published last year in JAMA, found no significant association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities in children," the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said there was no new evidence that would require a change to current recommendations on the use of paracetamol during pregnancy, Reuters reported.
The Montenegrin Institute for Medicines and Medical Devices (CInMED) announced yesterday that official recommendations regarding the safety of paracetamol use during pregnancy remain unchanged. They appealed to healthcare professionals and patients to approach information from unverified and unreliable sources with caution.
Vaccines are safe, effective and save lives
Brajović reminded us yesterday that extensive research conducted over several decades confirms that vaccines do not cause autism.
“The WHO childhood immunization schedule has saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years and remains essential for protecting children and communities. These immunization schedules are constantly evolving in line with available scientific evidence and now protect children, adolescents and adults against 30 infectious diseases. When vaccination schedules are delayed or interrupted, children and the wider community are at increased risk of deadly epidemics,” said Brajović.
She stressed that WHO recommendations are based on rigorous analysis of evidence and are designed to protect human health.
"The WHO message is clear: public health decisions must be based solely on science. Pregnant women should follow the advice of their health care providers, and children must be protected by timely vaccination. Every missed dose increases the chance of contracting a life-threatening infectious disease."
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