Paracetamol during Pregnancy Tied with ADHD in Children

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A new study reveals the link between paracetamol intake during pregnancy and later behavioural and emotional problems in children. 

Bristol University released a warning for pregnant women after it has been noticed the causal connection between the pills and the infants activities. It concluded that paracetamol may interfere with the baby development, even it has been considered safe for expectant mothers.

The researchers suggest to use the painkillers in the smallest doses for the shortest time during pregnancy. Also, women should be cautious when taking medication in order to prevent any new born health issues.

Paracetamol was long-time considered the single safe painkiller for mothers. However, more and more studies highlight the negative impact on infants, like hyperactivity and asthma.The list extends with Why emotional problems and autism.

How The Bristol Scientists Reached this Conclusion

The research demonstrated the cause-effect relation by observing the activities of 14,000 children aged between six months and 11 years.

The scientists form Bristol’s ‘Children of the 90s’ study collected evidence regarding the children’s IQ, temperament, memory and behaviour as well as data concerning the mothers’ pills intake between 18 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.

The causal association between the two raised concerned amongst doctors, but it has not been fully explained how it can lead to attention-deficit disorder and hyperactivity.

What Ages Are Most Vulnerable

The behavioural problems intensified when the offspring reached three years old. Although, the alterations in behaviour could no longer be detected when they grew up and graduated primary school.

The Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology journal stated that boys seemed to carry more of the causal damage.

Dr Pat O’Brien, of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, affirmed that further tests and research will determine if the association was right and whether other factors exerted any influence on the results.

Current advice is that paracetamol remains safe for use in the treatment of mild to moderate pain in women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Tiesha loves to share her passion for everything that’s beautiful in this world. Apart from writing on her beauty blog and running her own beauty channel on Youtube, she also enjoys traveling and photography. Tiesha covers various stories on the website.