All medicines in the UK, including paracetamol, are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) who rigorously assess these for safety and efficacy before they are licensed and monitor them once on the market.
The MHRA have published a statement1 to confirm there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Their advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on thorough assessments of the best available scientific evidence.
The MHRA have stated that paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to healthcare professionals such as midwives, pharmacists, doctors or nurses if they have questions or concerns about any medication during pregnancy. Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, and it is therefore important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment.
Michelle Riddalls OBE, CEO at PAGB says:
In the UK, paracetamol is an over-the-counter painkiller, which can be used during pregnancy. Our members, who provide trusted brands containing paracetamol, take patient safety very seriously and constantly review and monitor the safety of their products.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should always read and follow the product label before using any over-the-counter medicines. If they have any concerns they can talk to their pharmacist or other healthcare professionals. They can also find out more information about ‘Paracetamol and pregnancy – what you need to know’2 on the Government’s website, which includes facts and FAQs about paracetamol use in pregnancy from the Department of Health and Social Care
MHRA confirmed that any new evidence that could affect their recommendations would be carefully evaluated by their independent scientific experts.
References
1 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-confirms-taking-paracetamol-during-pregnancy-remains-safe-and-there-is-no-evidence-it-causes-autism-in-children, MHRA, 22 September 2025
2 https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2025/09/23/paracetamol-and-pregnancy-what-you-need-to-know/, DHSC, 23 September 2025
