US President Donald Trump’s claim that taking paracetamol during pregnancy can cause autism has taken hold in the UK and is causing behavioural change amongst up to 20% of pregnant women, despite an overwhelming majority rejecting his assertion.
Last week Trump claimed that taking the drug, known as Tylenol in the US, is “no good” and that pregnant women should “fight like hell not to take it”.
The comments were firmly debunked by medical experts. The NHS recommends paracetamol as the first-choice painkiller for pregnant women and the UK health secretary Wes Streeting has said: “I trust doctors over President Trump, frankly, on this.”
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said: “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.”
However an exclusive survey conducted by Find Out Now for The Grocer, with 508 women who are pregnant or have given birth within the past three years, found 10% are less likely to take paracetamol during pregnancy as the result of Trump’s comments with a further 10% unsure.
Reporting of Trump’s claims had wide reach, as 85% said they had heard a little or a lot about his comments, with just 15% unaware of them.
Presented with the statements from both the NHS and UK government agencies, only 2% said Donald Trump is “likely right”, 13% said they weren’t sure, and 84% believe he is “likely wrong”.
Three-quarters (76%) of women said they had taken paracetamol during pregnancy. Those who didn’t were more likely to believe Trump’s comments. Some 23% said they were less likely to take paracetamol as result of Trump’s claims.
Michelle Riddalls, CEO of PAGB, the UK trade association for branded over-the-counter medicines, commented: “It is very encouraging to see from this survey that 84% of pregnant and recently pregnant women recognise that the comments made by Trump were incorrect. It is also positive that that 4 out of 5 women would still use paracetamol if they needed it during pregnancy. This shows that the clear and decisive announcement from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the follow up communications from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS, has helped to dispel the misinformation which has been circulated.
“It is, however concerning, that the survey revealed 20% of women remain unsure or would avoid using paracetamol in pregnancy going forward. This puts needless stress on expectant mothers given that that current evidence supports the safe use of paracetamol during pregnancy when used as directed.
“As such, we would strongly urge any women who have concerns about paracetamol use during pregnancy, to consult their midwives or other healthcare professionals for personalised advice. There is also information available, including facts and frequently asked questions about paracetamol and pregnancy, on the Government’s website under ‘Paracetamol and pregnancy – what you need to know’, which features guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care.”
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