Mums taking paracetamol during pregnancy ‘could be increasing risk of autism in boys’

WIDESPREAD use of paracetamol in pregnancy could be behind a rise in autism in boys, a study warns.

Around half of mums-to-be take the painkillers, usually for headaches.

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Researchers found paracetamol also increased the risk of ADHD.

It was highest in mums taking the pain-relief pills for long periods, with their children 30 per cent more likely to develop problems.

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Autism rose among boys in particular, while hyperactivity disorder ADHD increased in both genders.

The Spanish study of 2,644 mothers tracked the development of their children over five years using computer tests.

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Researcher Dr Jordi Júlvez, of the Barcelona Institute of Global Health, said the reason paracetamol could affect mental development was because of the way it works by blunting pain receptors in the brain.

He added: “Since these receptors help determine how neurons mature, paracetamol could alter these important processes.”

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It is thought boys are more affected because their brains are more vulnerable to harmful influences earlier in life.

The NHS recommends paracetamol as safe in pregnancy as it has not been shown to harm unborn babies. But it advises low doses for short periods.