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Maternal paracetamol use during pregnancy and child IQ at age 7: A prospective cohort study

Sarah Munk Andreasen1, Lars Christian Lund1, Niels Bilenberg2

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medication, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.

Early Human Development
|June 18, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Maternal paracetamol use during pregnancy may be linked to lower child intelligence quotient (IQ). This study found non-significant associations, but further research is needed on paracetamol and neurodevelopment.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal epidemiology
  • Neurodevelopmental research
  • Pharmacological studies

Background:

  • Paracetamol is frequently used during pregnancy.
  • Concerns exist regarding its impact on child neurodevelopment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between maternal paracetamol intake during pregnancy and child intelligence quotient (IQ) at age 7.
  • Utilized both self-reported data and urinary paracetamol concentrations.

Main Methods:

  • Data from the Odense Child Cohort (2448 pregnant women).
  • Paracetamol use assessed via questionnaires and urinary concentrations.
  • Child IQ measured using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition.
  • Propensity score-weighted regression models were employed.

Main Results:

  • Included 1162 mother-child pairs; 65% reported paracetamol use.
  • Self-reported use showed a non-significant association with a 1.3 IQ point reduction.
  • Recent paracetamol use (urinary concentration >4000 ng/mL) was non-significantly associated with a 1.6 IQ point reduction.

Conclusions:

  • Suggests a potential link between prenatal paracetamol exposure and reduced child IQ.
  • Emphasizes the need for caution due to non-significant findings and data limitations.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenCognitive developmentCohortIntelligence QuotientParacetamolPregnancy

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