News India Live, Digital Desk: Paracetamol in Pregnancy: Pregnancy time is very delicate for every woman. During this time, small health problems like headache, body pain or fever are common. And in such a situation, the first medicine whose name comes to mind is paracetamol. It has been considered the safest pain reliever for pregnant women for decades. However, a recent research has put a big question mark on this trust.

A new and large study has revealed that the child used during pregnancy may increase the risk of neurodevaluate disorders such as autism and ADHD.

What does this new study say?

Researchers from prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Massachusetts universities recently analyzed dozens of old studies simultaneously. The analysis included data of more than one lakh people. They found that the children’s mothers who consumed paracetamol during pregnancy were more in danger of situations like autism and ADHD than children whose mothers did not take this medicine.

It is a matter of concern that more than 50% of pregnant women worldwide use this medicine. According to the study, paracetamol can cross the fetus by crossing the placenta (umbilical cord) and affects the development of its brain.

Do we need to panic?

It is natural for any future mother to be worried about this news. However, there is another aspect of the story. The same year (2024) Another huge study was revealed, which found no direct connection between the use of paracetamol and autism or ADHD, especially when compared between siblings of the same family.

This means that scientists are still not unanimous on this subject and further research is needed.

Then what to do pregnant women?

Experts believe that it is not right to stop the medicine completely, fearful of this news. Because, high fever or unbearable pain in pregnancy can also be harmful to the child.

Therefore, adopting the middle path is the most intelligent. The advice of doctors is now:

1. Take only when it is very important: Use paracetamol only when you are in dire need of it, such as high fever or pain
2. At least volume: Always have the lowest effective dose of the drug.
3. For less time: Do not eat the medicine for a long time. Just use it as long as there are symptoms.
4. By asking the doctor: Most importantly, always consult your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy.

Overall, the message is that the paracetamol which we used to close by closing their eyes and now need to be a little more careful about it. It is not to panic, but to be aware.