MHRA Drug Safety Update: Paracetamol and pregnancy

24th Sep 2025

Patients should be reminded and reassured that there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Paracetamol is recommended as the first-choice pain reliever for pregnant women, used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration. It also acts as an antipyretic and is therefore used to treat fever. Patients should not stop taking their pain medicines as untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn child. 

You can find further information and guidance on the website of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency