Prenatal acetaminophen use can lead to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes

According to a study published in Rheumatology, the highest quintile of cumulative acetaminophen was linked with a modestly raised risk for preeclampsia. Investigators undertook this cohort study (MotherToBaby) to assess if the use of prenatal acetaminophen was related to an elevated risk of unfavorable pregnancy and birth outcomes in 1821 females suffering from autoimmune disorders.

The self-reported acetaminophen usage was characterized over gestation for the duration, indication, and timing of usage. The cumulative acetaminophen usage through 32 and 20 weeks was categorized into quintiles. The reference category was characterized as no acetaminophen use. With the aid of adjusted multiple log-linear regression, the link between acetaminophen quintile and pregnancy-stimulated hypertension, preterm birth, and small for gestational age (SGA) was assessed. 

In total, 74% of females were found to use acetaminophen during their pregnancy. Headache/migraines, subsequently followed by pain and injury was the most commonly noted indication for using acetaminophen. The preeclampsia risk was found to be 1.62 times higher for the cohort in the fifth quintile of cumulative acetaminophen usage through 20 weeks than the cohort with no acetaminophen usage. No link was noted with lower use quintiles, nor for the other outcomes of the study.

Some females having autoimmune conditions have pain throughout their pregnancy. Patients and doctors should talk about ways to avoid high levels of acetaminophen for managing pain, concluded the study authors.