Paracetamol and Pregnancy26 September 2025 The Department of Health and Social Care has put out a statement in relation to recent media surrounding the use of paracetamol during pregnancy. The statement reassures individuals that taking paracetamol is safe and recommended as the first choice pain reliever for pregnant women. The facts There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. A major study conducted in Sweden in 2024, involving 2.4 million children found no evidence that paracetamol causes autism in pregnancy. Untreated pain and fever can pose real risks to the unborn baby, so it is crucial to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment. Paracetamol continues to be the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Patients should not swap to alternatives such as ibuprofen, as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally not recommended during pregnancy. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has also released a statement confirming the safety of paracetamol use in pregnancy, clarifying there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Dr Allison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: “Patient safety is our top priority. There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy. Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment. Our advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence. Any new evidence that could affect our recommendations would be carefully evaluated by our independent scientific experts.” You can read the British Society for Rheumatology’s guideline on Prescribing drugs in pregnancy and breastfeeding: comorbidity medications used in rheumatology practice for more information about the safety of paracetamol during pregnancy for people living with conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis. To read more: Article Pregnancy and parenthood Pregnancy and parenthood can bring a lot of stresses and challenges, especially for a parent with RA. These challenges, however, can be overcome with the right support and information, to make parenthood the rewarding experience that all parents strive for. News, 26 Sep 2025 BSR issue guidelines on medicating during pregnancy and breastfeeding The British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) has produced two new guidelines for the prescribing of medication for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Naturally, taking any medication during pregnancy can be risky and is a great worry to patients, but the risks of this need to be weighed against the importance of keeping RA under […]
Article Pregnancy and parenthood Pregnancy and parenthood can bring a lot of stresses and challenges, especially for a parent with RA. These challenges, however, can be overcome with the right support and information, to make parenthood the rewarding experience that all parents strive for.
Article Pregnancy and parenthood Pregnancy and parenthood can bring a lot of stresses and challenges, especially for a parent with RA. These challenges, however, can be overcome with the right support and information, to make parenthood the rewarding experience that all parents strive for.
News, 26 Sep 2025 BSR issue guidelines on medicating during pregnancy and breastfeeding The British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) has produced two new guidelines for the prescribing of medication for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Naturally, taking any medication during pregnancy can be risky and is a great worry to patients, but the risks of this need to be weighed against the importance of keeping RA under […]
News, 26 Sep 2025 BSR issue guidelines on medicating during pregnancy and breastfeeding The British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) has produced two new guidelines for the prescribing of medication for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Naturally, taking any medication during pregnancy can be risky and is a great worry to patients, but the risks of this need to be weighed against the importance of keeping RA under […]