Pregnancy after loss: Clear guidance on paracetamol use
19th January 2026
We know that pregnancy after loss can be a very frightening and anxious time, which is why clear guidance around taking medication is so important.
Following widely shared claims in September 2025, the UK medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), reiterated that there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
As of 17 January 2026, this message is further supported by a major new review of international research published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health. The review analysed data from 43 studies involving hundreds of thousands of women, comparing pregnancies where paracetamol was used with those where it was not.
The analysis found no evidence of a link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism. Any previously reported associations are likely to be explained by other factors, rather than a direct effect of paracetamol itself.
Paracetamol remains the recommended first-choice painkiller during pregnancy when used as directed. The MHRA stresses that it is safe when taken at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest time needed. They also highlight that untreated pain and fever in pregnancy can carry their own risks, so managing symptoms appropriately is important.
As always, anyone who is unsure about taking any medication should follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet and speak with a healthcare professional.
At the Miscarriage Association, we know how frightening uncertainty in pregnancy can be, especially after experiencing loss. Please know that our support services are available, as well as further information around pregnancy after miscarriage.
Sources:
BBC News, January 2026
The Lancet, January 2026
GOV.UK, September 2025
