Study: Paracetamol during pregnancy increases hyperactivity in babies

Using paracetamol during pregnancy may increase the risk of hyperactivity (ADHD) in unborn children, according to a study published in "Nature Mental Health" led by Brennan Baker.

Previous studies on acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental conditions have yielded conflicting results. For example, a 2019 study involving more than 4,700 children and their mothers linked painkiller use during pregnancy to a 20 percent increased risk of developing ADHD.

However, an analysis published last year of about 2.5 million children showed no such link.

Baker looked for drug markers in blood samples collected from 307 women during their second trimester of pregnancy, none of whom were taking medications for chronic conditions or had known pregnancy complications.

The researchers then followed the participants when their children were between 8 and 10 years old. On average, children whose mothers had blood markers of acetaminophen during pregnancy were three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than children born to mothers who did not have them.

Further studies will be needed to understand whether paracetamol actually increases the risk of ADHD.