Recently, a study that was published in Nature Mental Health showed concerns about the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and its potential link to the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in many pain-relieving medications, is often used by pregnant women to relieve pain and reduce fever.
Widespread use of acetaminophen during pregnancy
It’s one of the few painkillers deemed safe for use during pregnancy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, new research suggests that this widely-used drug may carry risks for fetal brain development, raising questions about the long-term neurodevelopmental impacts.
The study looked into 307 pregnant women from 2006 to 2011; these women were asked to provide blood samples, which were then tested for acetaminophen biomarkers.
The children born to these women were then followed for 8 to 10 years. The study showed that among those who didn’t use acetaminophen, the rate of ADHD in their children was 9%. While for children whose mothers used acetaminophen during pregnancy, the ADHD rate was 18%.
When acetaminophen metabolites were detected in the mothers’ blood, their children had a significantly higher risk of ADHD. The risk was 3.15 times higher for those exposed to acetaminophen compared to those who weren’t.
A link to ADHD
It was also revealed that the risk was stronger in daughters than in sons. Daughters whose mothers had acetaminophen biomarkers in their blood were 6.16 times more likely to develop ADHD, while the correlation was weaker and not significant in boys.
The study draws from the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) cohort, which focused on pregnant women in Memphis, Tennessee. Although this specific cohort consisted mainly of Black women, the researchers believe the findings apply to individuals of all races and ethnicities.
Medical guidelines for fraternal pain relief
Acetaminophen is often recommended over other pain relievers, like ibuprofen, during pregnancy because it is considered safer for the fetus.
Ibuprofen can potentially harm the developing kidneys or heart of the baby, making acetaminophen the go-to option for managing pain or fever. But this new study calls for a reevaluation of that guidance, suggesting that doctors may need to reassess their recommendations regarding acetaminophen use during pregnancy.
Given the widespread use of acetaminophen, the findings from this study raise significant concerns. The researchers emphasise that more studies are needed to determine whether some women can use acetaminophen without risking harm to their baby. In contrast, others may be more susceptible to its potential neurodevelopmental effects.
Reevaluating medical guidelines
The findings from this study contradict earlier research, which found no link between prenatal acetaminophen use and ADHD. For example, a Swedish study didn’t show any correlation, but it relied on self-reported data, which could have underestimated actual acetaminophen use. This inconsistency in results highlights the need for further research and more reliable data to understand better the true risks of using acetaminophen during pregnancy.
Researchers are suggesting medical societies and the FDA update their guidelines on acetaminophen use during pregnancy. As more data becomes available, it’s important to keep refining our understanding of how medications like acetaminophen might affect fetal development. Expecting mothers should discuss any pain-relief medications with their healthcare providers and carefully consider the risks and benefits of taking acetaminophen during pregnancy.
