For many women in the UK, especially those from African and other diaspora communities, pregnancy often comes with a flood of advice, warnings and WhatsApp messages that can be confusing and frightening.
“Don’t take this.”
“That one causes autism.”
“You’ll harm the baby.”
Pain, fever or headaches during pregnancy can leave women torn between suffering in silence and fearing the consequences of taking medication. Now, new high-quality evidence is offering reassurance.
Following the publication of a major systematic review and meta-analysis in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health, UK medicines regulator the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has reaffirmed that paracetamol remains safe to use during pregnancy.
The study examined large-scale data and found no evidence that taking paracetamol while pregnant increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or intellectual disability in children.
In response, the MHRA has confirmed that paracetamol continues to be the recommended first choice for managing pain and fever during pregnancy.
Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA’s Chief Safety Officer, said the findings should reassure expectant mothers who may have felt anxious about using the medication.
She explained that paracetamol has been used safely for many years and that this latest review strengthens existing evidence showing no link between its use in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental conditions in children. When taken according to instructions, she said, paracetamol is both safe and effective.
For many women from migrant and minority ethnic backgrounds, this reassurance is particularly important. Studies have consistently shown that misinformation about medicines during pregnancy often spreads more quickly in communities where access to trusted healthcare information may feel limited or where language and cultural barriers exist.
Healthcare professionals stress that untreated pain or fever can itself pose risks during pregnancy. High temperatures, especially in early pregnancy, can be harmful to the unborn baby, which is why managing symptoms safely matters.
The NHS continues to advise that paracetamol can be used during pregnancy at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible time. If pain or fever does not improve, women are encouraged to speak to their GP, midwife or pharmacist rather than stopping treatment altogether.
The MHRA also emphasises that pregnant people should not discontinue prescribed pain relief without professional advice, as leaving symptoms unmanaged can sometimes cause more harm than the medicine itself.
As part of its ongoing role, the MHRA regularly reviews the safety of medicines used during pregnancy to ensure that the benefits to both mother and baby clearly outweigh any risks. Members of the public and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report any suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme, which helps regulators continue monitoring medicine safety in real-world use.
For expectant mothers navigating pregnancy far from home, often relying on advice passed through family groups or social media, this message is simple but powerful: paracetamol remains the safest option for pain and fever in pregnancy when used correctly.
If you are unsure, worried or hearing conflicting advice, speaking directly with a midwife, pharmacist or doctor remains the best step. Trusted information, not fear, should guide decisions during pregnancy.
