Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Shows No Major Birth Risks

Researchers at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health in the United States analyzed data from over 8,900 mother-infant pairs and determined that acetaminophen use during pregnancy does not significantly impact gestational age or a child’s birth weight. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, examined data collected through the National Institutes of Health’s ECHO program.

While the analysis revealed no link between acetaminophen and preterm birth, lower birth weight, or being small for gestational age, it did find an association with a slightly reduced chance of a baby being born larger than average for its gestational age.

Acetaminophen remains one of the few over-the-counter pain relievers considered safe during pregnancy, though prior studies have yielded mixed results. The researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into optimal dosage and timing, and advise pregnant individuals to discuss all medication use with their healthcare provider.