A major new review of existing research indicates that paracetamol is safe to take during pregnancy and does not raise the risk of autism, ADHD, or developmental issues in children, according to experts. The findings, published in a Lancet journal, directly contradict claims made last year by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that paracetamol "is no good" and advised pregnant women to avoid it.

The research team stated that pregnant women "should feel reassured" by their findings, which they believe should end the debate over the painkiller's safety during pregnancy. Trump's earlier assertions had been widely criticized by medical organizations globally and caused confusion among women and concern among health experts, prompting the new review.

The study authors conducted a rigorous analysis of numerous existing studies, employing meta-analysis techniques to synthesize the available data. Meta-analysis, a statistical approach, allows researchers to combine the results of multiple independent studies to increase the statistical power and precision of the overall findings. This method is particularly useful when individual studies have small sample sizes or inconsistent results.

The use of AI in this type of research is becoming increasingly prevalent. AI algorithms can assist in the identification and selection of relevant studies, extraction of data, and assessment of study quality. These tools can significantly speed up the review process and reduce the risk of human error.

Despite the new findings, U.S. health officials maintain that "many experts" have expressed concern over the use of paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen in the U.S., during pregnancy. This highlights the ongoing debate and the challenges of communicating scientific consensus to the public, particularly when political figures weigh in with conflicting information.

The implications of this research extend beyond individual health decisions. Misinformation about medication safety can erode public trust in medical professionals and institutions, leading to potentially harmful health behaviors. The study underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making in healthcare and the need for clear and accurate communication of scientific findings.

The current status is that the Lancet study is expected to influence clinical guidelines and recommendations for paracetamol use during pregnancy. However, further research is needed to address remaining uncertainties and to investigate the potential effects of paracetamol on specific subgroups of pregnant women. Future developments may include the integration of AI-powered tools to monitor real-world data on paracetamol use and pregnancy outcomes, providing continuous feedback on the safety and effectiveness of the medication.