Paracetamol, Pregnancy and Autism: Separating Fact from Fear

If you have been scrolling through the headlines recently, you may have seen worrying claims that taking paracetamol (known as Tylenol in the US) during pregnancy could increase the risk of autism in children. It’s the kind of story that spreads fast and understandably sparks anxiety in expectant parents who just want to do the safest thing for their baby.

Pregnancy can be a time of discomfort from headaches and migraines to back or pelvic pain and pain-relieving medications are very limited during pregnancy, which can make these everyday aches feel even more worrying. The fear of harming your baby can leave many women avoiding all pain relief, sometimes unnecessarily.

The good news: leading health authorities, including the UK Government, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have reviewed the evidence and agree there is no proven link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism. Used as directed, paracetamol remains one of the safest and most recommended pain relief options for pregnant women.

This article aims to empower pregnant women: not only is paracetamol safe when used correctly, but there are also several other safe and effective ways to manage pain during pregnancy from evidence-based therapies like acupuncture to supportive lifestyle measures.

What the Experts Actually Say
In September 2025, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a clear reminder regarding paracetamol use during pregnancy:

“Taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe when used as advised. Pregnant women should continue to use paracetamol if it is needed, but at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Recent studies, including the one published in August, have not established a direct relationship between paracetamol use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism. Women with concerns should speak to their healthcare professional rather than stopping medication without medical advice. The MHRA carefully monitors new evidence on the safety of medicines and takes action when evidence shows a potential risk to patients.” ¹

The WHO echoed this in a recent statement, cautioning against misinformation that can cause unnecessary worry. They reaffirmed that the current body of research does not demonstrate a causal relationship between paracetamol and autism. ²

Similarly, the FDA addressed the media speculation directly, stating that while some studies have explored possible associations, these are observational and not designed to prove cause and effect. Their conclusion: paracetamol remains a safe and appropriate option for pain relief during pregnancy when used correctly. ³

For pregnant women, this means you don’t need to fear paracetamol, but you should, as with all medicines, take it only when needed, and stick to the recommended dose. Importantly, while paracetamol is safe, there are also other ways to support comfort and wellbeing during pregnancy, which we will explore next.

Safe, Evidence-Based Alternatives for Pain Relief
Pregnancy is full of changes; hormonal shifts, postural adjustments, and the weight of a growing baby can lead to common discomforts like lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, headaches, and migraines. While paracetamol is safe when needed, many women want additional or non-drug options to support comfort and wellbeing.

Acupuncture: A Powerful, Natural Option
Acupuncture has a long history of use in pregnancy and is increasingly supported by research for pain management and labour preparation. The therapy involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points, stimulating the nervous system and releasing neurochemicals that help regulate hormones, reduce stress, and relieve discomfort. Treatments are tailored to each stage of pregnancy, ensuring safety for both mother and baby.

Evidence and Guidelines
Acupuncture is included in the NICE guidelines for:

• Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s: assessment of all chronic pain and management of chronic primary pain (CG193) [^8]
• Headaches: diagnosis and management (CG150) [^9]

High-quality clinical trials investigating acupuncture have been conducted, particularly for chronic pain conditions. A systematic review of over 20,000 adults (Vickers et al., 2018) found:

• Acupuncture was more effective than control for all pain conditions (pragmatic trials)
• Acupuncture is not a placebo for treatment of chronic pain
• Effects persisted over time (15% reduction at one year) [^10]

These findings highlight that acupuncture is evidence-based, safe, and effective, making it a valuable option during pregnancy when used appropriately.

Research Highlights in Pregnancy:

• Pelvic Girdle & Lower Back Pain: Elden et al. (2005) found acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved mobility in women with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain compared to standard care⁴.
• Headaches & Migraines: Clinical trials indicate acupuncture can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines and tension headaches during pregnancy⁵.
• Morning Sickness & Nausea: Evidence shows acupuncture at points such as PC6 (Neiguan) can reduce nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy⁶.
• Labour Preparation & Induction: Research suggests acupuncture may support cervical ripening, promote uterine contractions, and improve maternal comfort during late pregnancy and labour⁷. While it does not replace medical induction, it can be a safe complementary approach.

Many patients combine acupuncture with reflexology, relaxation techniques, or other supportive therapies to enhance overall wellbeing.

Other Supportive, Non-Drug Approaches
Beyond acupuncture, there are several gentle strategies that can help manage pain and discomfort safely during pregnancy:

• Posture & Support: Lumbar cushions, correct alignment, and a pregnancy support belt

• Exercise & Movement: Pilates balls, guided prenatal exercise, gentle stretching

• Hydrotherapy & Swimming: Water buoyancy supports the body and alleviates joint/back pain

• Heat/Cold Therapy: Warm compresses or cold packs for localised relief

• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): Typically used in the later stages of pregnancy to help manage labour-related back pain and improve comfort during contractions, under guidance from a trained professional

Combined with safe medication use, these approaches empower women to manage discomfort while minimising risks, supporting a more comfortable, confident pregnancy journey.

Reassurance and Practical Support
Managing pain during pregnancy can feel daunting. With limited medication options, it’s natural to worry about what’s safe for you and your baby. The key message is simple: paracetamol is safe when used as directed, and there are a variety of evidence-based, non-drug options to help you stay comfortable and supported throughout your pregnancy.

Acupuncture stands out as a proven, safe, and effective approach, supported by NICE guidelines for chronic pain and headaches, as well as numerous high-quality clinical trials. Many women find it helps with lower back and pelvic pain, headaches, morning sickness, and labour preparation, complementing standard care from midwives and obstetricians. Combined with supportive measures; posture adjustments, gentle exercise, hydrotherapy, heat/cold therapy, and TENS in later pregnancy, these strategies empower you to manage discomfort confidently.

Every pregnancy is unique. What works for one person may differ for another, which is why personalised guidance is important. If you are looking for additional support or want to explore safe, non-drug options like acupuncture, please feel free to contact Health Point Clinic. We are here to answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure your pregnancy journey is as comfortable and positive as possible.

Remember: Always follow the guidance of your obstetrician, midwife, or other qualified healthcare provider when managing pain during pregnancy.