The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency confirmed on 17 January 2026 that paracetamol remains the recommended first-choice medicine for managing pain and fever during pregnancy.
The announcement followed a newly published systematic review and meta-analysis in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health. The agency stated the findings found no evidence of increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children when the medicine is used as directed.
Introduction
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency issued a statement on 17 January 2026 following publication of a new systematic review and meta-analysis on paracetamol use during pregnancy. The review appeared in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health and assessed evidence from existing studies.
The MHRA used the publication to reaffirm its national guidance on managing pain and fever in pregnant patients. The agency stated that paracetamol remains the recommended option when taken according to patient information and professional advice.
MHRA announcement and publication context
The MHRA confirmed that paracetamol remains safe to use during pregnancy when taken as directed in the patient information leaflet. The statement referenced a large-scale analysis of published research that found no link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental conditions in children.
Meanwhile, the agency positioned the announcement as part of its ongoing role in reviewing medicine safety to ensure that regulatory guidance reflects current scientific evidence and public health standards.
- Statement issued by the MHRA
- Reference to The Lancet review
Evidence overview
| Publication | The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health |
| Review type | Systematic review and meta-analysis |
| Safety conclusion | No evidence of increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability linked to paracetamol use during pregnancy |
Findings from the safety review
The MHRA stated that the review found no association between prenatal exposure to paracetamol and the development of autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or intellectual disability in children. The agency described the findings as consistent with existing UK medical guidance.
Additionally, the statement noted that paracetamol has been used for many years and remains the recommended first choice for treating pain or fever during pregnancy when taken according to directions.
- No evidence of neurodevelopmental risk
- Long-standing first-choice recommendation
Recommended use and reporting
| Dosage guidance | Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration as advised in patient information |
| Professional advice | Consult a doctor, pharmacist, or midwife if questions arise |
| Safety reporting | Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme |
Guidance for patients and healthcare professionals
The MHRA advised that pregnant women should follow the instructions provided with paracetamol and seek advice from healthcare professionals if pain or fever does not resolve. The statement emphasised that untreated pain and fever can pose risks during pregnancy.
However, the agency reiterated that paracetamol remains safe and effective when used as directed and should not be stopped without consulting a healthcare professional.
Regulatory role and policy framework
The MHRA outlined its responsibility for regulating medicines and medical devices across the UK to ensure they are effective and acceptably safe. The agency stated that its work is underpinned by fact-based judgements to ensure that benefits justify any risks.
The statement also confirmed the MHRA’s role as an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, operating within national regulatory and public health frameworks.
Stakeholder Comments
Ministerial Comments
Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA said;
“Paracetamol remains safe to use during pregnancy. This large-scale analysis of the evidence found no link between taking paracetamol during pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or disability in children.”
A Final Reflection
The MHRA’s latest statement reaffirms existing UK guidance on the use of paracetamol during pregnancy following the publication of a new systematic review. The agency confirmed that the medicine remains the recommended first choice for managing pain and fever when taken as directed.
Ongoing monitoring and reporting through established regulatory processes remain part of the UK’s approach to medicines safety.
Sources: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
