The latest findings from the Illinois Kids Development Study, suggest a potential link between increased acetaminophen use during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, and attention/behavior problems in children.
Key Takeaways:
- The Illinois Kids Development Study tracked hundreds of children, revealing a potential connection between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and developmental issues.
- While generally considered safe during pregnancy, higher acetaminophen use, especially in the second trimester, is associated with attention-related problems and ADHD-type behaviors in children.
- The research contributes to existing evidence linking frequent acetaminophen use during pregnancy to potential developmental problems in children.
The effects of acetaminophen use during pregnancy have been studied for many years. In 2021, a consensus statement published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology called for increased warnings about taking these drugs during pregnancy. But in December 2023 a federal judge ruled that the numerous lawsuits brought against the makers of Tylenol and generic acetaminophen lack sufficient “admissible evidence” to support claims that prenatal exposure to the medication can lead to autism or ADHD noting that experts provided by the plaintiffs selectively presented study results and ignored the role of genetics in the development of these conditions.
Despite this, a new study conducted as part of the Illinois Kids Development Study has also found a connection between increased use of acetaminophen during pregnancy, specifically in the second trimester, and attention and behavior problems in young children.
While acetaminophen is generally considered the safest painkiller during pregnancy, this study suggests that higher usage, especially during the second trimester, is linked to more attention-related problems and ADHD-type behaviors in children. However, the authors emphasize that more research is needed and caution against interpreting the findings as indicating ADHD or other disorders.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence showing a potential link between frequent acetaminophen use in pregnancy and developmental problems in children. The findings are published in the journal Neurotoxicology and Teratology.
The research is part of the Illinois Kids Development Study at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which aims to understand how environmental exposures impact child development. The study tracked hundreds of children, collecting data on their prenatal chemical exposures and obtaining assessments of their behaviors and traits from caregivers at ages 2, 3, and 4.
While acetaminophen is considered safe and effective for pain relief and reducing fever during pregnancy, previous research has suggested negative outcomes for children exposed to the drug in the womb. This study, led by Megan Woodbury and Susan Schantz, builds upon previous findings that linked higher acetaminophen exposure in pregnancy to language delays in children.
Previous studies on the relationship between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and attention and behavior in children have produced mixed results. This study sought to provide a more comprehensive understanding by surveying pregnant parents about their acetaminophen use multiple times throughout their pregnancy. Additionally, caregivers were asked to answer standardized questions about their child’s behavior and attention abilities at ages 2, 3, and 4.
The study found that increasing acetaminophen use during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, was associated with more attention-related problems and ADHD-type behaviors in children at all ages measured. These behaviors included talking out of turn, not paying attention, being restless, and exhibiting aggression toward other children.
It’s important to note that the findings do not indicate that the children have ADHD or will necessarily be diagnosed with it in the future. However, the children exposed to higher levels of acetaminophen seem to have more difficulties with attention compared to their peers who were less exposed or not exposed to the drug in the womb.
It’s important to strike a balance when considering acetaminophen use in pregnancy. While it can be necessary for relieving extreme pain, debilitating headaches, or high fevers, it may not be needed for minor aches or slight fevers. The researchers urge further investigation into the potential effects of more frequent use of acetaminophen during the second trimester on the developing brain.
This study had limitations, as the participants were mostly white, non-Hispanic, and of higher economic status. Efforts are being made to diversify the cohort of participants in future research.
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