The relationship of prenatal acetaminophen exposure and attention-related behavior in early childhood
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Published on: August 25, 2014
Megan L Woodbury1, Sarah D Geiger2, Susan L Schantz3
1Neuroscience Program, University of IL at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America.
Insights
Prenatal acetaminophen exposure, particularly in the second trimester, may be linked to attention and behavior problems in early childhood. This study investigated the effects of acetaminophen use during pregnancy on child neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Acetaminophen is the sole analgesic deemed safe during pregnancy.
- Emerging research suggests prenatal acetaminophen exposure may negatively impact neurodevelopment.
- Few studies have explored trimester-specific effects on attention problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
- To investigate if the timing of acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy influences these outcomes.
- To assess the relationship between acetaminophen use and attention/behavioral problems in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- Prospective birth cohort study (Illinois Kids Development Study) with 535 newborns.
- Mothers reported acetaminophen use at six points during pregnancy (December 2013 - March 2020).
- Child behavior assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) at ages 2, 3, and 4 years.
Main Results:
- Higher second-trimester acetaminophen exposure correlated with increased Attention Problems, ADHD Problems, Externalizing Behavior, and Total Problems scores at ages 2 and 3.
- Second-trimester exposure was linked to higher Externalizing Behavior and Total Problems scores at age 4.
- Greater cumulative prenatal acetaminophen exposure was associated with higher Attention Problems and ADHD Problems scores at ages 2 and 3.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal acetaminophen exposure, especially during the second trimester, may be associated with attention deficits in early childhood.
- Findings highlight potential risks of acetaminophen use during pregnancy for child neurodevelopment.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and long-term effects.
Abstract:
Acetaminophen is currently the only analgesic considered safe for use throughout pregnancy, but recent studies indicate that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may be related to poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes. Multiple studies have suggested that it may be associated with attention problems, but few have examined this association by trimester of exposure. The Illinois Kids Development Study is a prospective birth cohort located in east-central Illinois. Exposure data were collected between December 2013 and March 2020, and 535 newborns were enrolled during that period. Mothers reported the number of times they took acetaminophen at six time points across pregnancy. When children were 2, 3, and 4 years of age, caregivers completed the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 1.5-5 years (CBCL). Associations of acetaminophen use during pregnancy with scores on the Attention Problems and ADHD Problems syndrome scales, the Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior composite scales, and the Total Problems score were evaluated. Higher acetaminophen exposure during the second trimester of fetal development was associated with higher Attention Problems, ADHD Problems, Externalizing Behavior, and Total Problems scores at ages 2 and 3. Higher second trimester exposure was only associated with higher Externalizing Behavior and Total Problems scores at 4 years. Higher cumulative exposure across pregnancy was associated with higher Attention Problems and ADHD Problems scores at ages 2 and 3. Findings suggest that prenatal acetaminophen exposure, especially during the second trimester, may be related to problems with attention in early childhood.
