Acetaminophen, considered the safest pain reliever during pregnancy, is facing increased scrutiny due to recent studies suggesting potential links to poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. While it has been believed safe for use throughout pregnancy, concerns arise from research indicating a connection between frequent acetaminophen use, particularly in the second trimester, and subtle yet noticeable increase in attention and behavior problems among 2 to 4-year-old children. A recent study published in the journal Neurotoxicology and Teratology adds to the growing body of evidence linking frequent acetaminophen use during pregnancy to developmental challenges in offspring.
The study conducted by Woodbury and colleagues, a group of US researchers, adds to the mounting evidence suggesting that environmental exposures during pregnancy can impact offspring development. The research involved monitoring hundreds of children, collecting data on prenatal chemical exposures, and evaluating behaviors at ages 2, 3, and 4. Increased exposure to acetaminophen during the second trimester of fetal development was linked to elevated scores in attention problems, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) problems, externalizing behavior, and total problems at ages 2 and 3. Furthermore, greater cumulative exposure throughout pregnancy was connected to increased scores in attention problems and ADHD problems at ages 2 and 3.
Woodbury et al. reported similar associations with higher prenatal acetaminophen use and poorer early language development in 2 to 3-year-old children, expanding the scope of concerns related to this commonly used medication during pregnancy. Despite these findings, the researchers stress the necessity of not discouraging acetaminophen use when medically necessary for severe headaches, painful episodes, or fevers. However, caution is advised against its use for minor discomforts. The authors recognize the need for further investigation, particularly exploring whether increased use during the second trimester poses specific risks to the developing brain.
While acknowledging the widely accepted safety of acetaminophen at recommended dosages in pregnancy, the researchers emphasize the growing body of literature indicating potential neurodevelopmental risks. The study’s results, though showing small associations, contribute to the evidence suggesting deficits in attention related to acetaminophen exposure.
The researchers concluded that this research sheds light on the complex relationship between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and child development. Future studies should investigate potential mechanisms and explore whether similar results are observed in larger and more diverse cohorts to establish stronger causal evidence.
References
- Woodbury ML, Geiger SD, Schantz SL. The relationship of prenatal acetaminophen exposure and attention-related behavior in early childhood. Neurotoxicology and Teratology. 2024 Jan 1;101:107319.
- Woodbury ML, Cintora P, Ng S, Hadley PA, Schantz SL. Examining the relationship of acetaminophen use during pregnancy with early language development in children. Pediatr Res. 2023 Dec 11;1–14.