A Note on Vaccinations, Paracetamol, and Pregnancy

We are aware that recent public comments from political figures in the United States have raised concerns about the safety of paracetamol during pregnancy, and we want to reassure our patients in light of this.

There is no credible evidence that paracetamol (acetaminophen) causes autism. Paracetamol remains one of the few recommended pain and fever relief options during pregnancy and is widely considered safe when used appropriately and under medical guidance. This remains the position of public health experts, including the UK’s NHS, NICE, and leading medical bodies around the world.

We understand how easy it is for misinformation, especially when it targets already anxious groups, such as people currently pregnant, to spread quickly and cause real worry.

We want to be absolutely clear on our stance:

Untreated pain and fever during pregnancy can be harmful. Paracetamol is often the safest and most effective choice. Please do not stop taking prescribed or recommended medication based on headlines, speculation, or political opinion.

We continue to strongly recommend all routine vaccinations and evidence-based treatments. The study often referenced in debating vaccines and claiming MMR causes autism has been very strongly discredited, found to be of poor scientific quality and deeply unethical. The study was labelled ‘elaborate fraud’, retracted by the publishing journal and resulted in the individual being struck off the medical register. If you have questions or concerns about any medication or vaccine, during pregnancy or otherwise, we encourage you to speak to your GP, midwife, or pharmacist. That’s what we’re trained for, and why we are here.

In a world full of noise, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But your health deserves facts, not fear.

Please let’s keep talking, and let’s keep science at the heart of care.