Recent international headlines have caused unnecessary concern among expectant mothers about the use of paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen, or as brand names like Panadol in New Zealand or Tylenol in the USA). The New Zealand College of Midwives wants to reassure pregnant women that paracetamol remains the safest recommended option for pain relief and fever management during pregnancy when used as directed.

• Paracetamol has been safely used for decades by pregnant women in Aotearoa and around the world.
• New Zealand’s regulatory body for medicine safety, Medsafe, categorises paracetamol as a Pregnancy Category A, which is the highest level of safety. Category A means that adequate, well-controlled studies of the use of this medication in pregnancy within specified dosage limits have shown no increased risk of harm to unborn children.
• While members of the Trump administration have raised questions about the safety of paracetamol in pregnancy, high quality scientific evidence does not demonstrate a causal link or association between paracetamol use and autism or other developmental concerns.
• Large, high-quality studies – including population data from Sweden involving over two million children – found no increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability from paracetamol use during pregnancy.

Untreated fever and severe pain in pregnancy can themselves be harmful to both mother and baby. Without safe pain relief options, women may turn to alternatives such as ibuprofen which is not recommended in pregnancy due to proven risks.

“Paracetamol is widely considered the first-line, safest option for pregnant women who require pain relief or fever management. Used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time, there is no evidence of risk to babies,” says Alison Eddy, CE.

Advice for wahine hapū

• If required for the short-term relief of pain or fever, women can feel confident that paracetamol is safe, when taken according to the dosage instructions on the packaging.
• Always consult your midwife, GP, or obstetrician if you have ongoing pain, fever, or questions about medicines.
• Do not stop recommended treatments based on international political announcements or headlines. Trustworthy sources of heath information in this country include Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Medsafe, HealthInfo, Healthify, and your midwife, GP or obstetrician.

Pregnant women in New Zealand can feel confident that their health providers base advice on robust, peer-reviewed science and international best practice.

“We encourage expectant mothers not to be swayed by overseas political commentary. The best approach is always to read health information provided by trustworthy New Zealand sources like Health NZ or discuss any concerns directly with your LMC or maternity healthcare provider.” says Alison.

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