Trump urges pregnant women to avoid paracetamol - but what does the science say?

Claims linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism have been amplified politically, prompting health authorities to restate the evidence.

Researchers say observational studies have found weak and inconsistent associations that do not establish cause.

Regulators in several countries, including New Zealand, continue to advise paracetamol as the first-line option for pain and fever in pregnancy, used at the lowest effective dose.

Clinicians warn that untreated fever in pregnancy carries its own documented risks, and urge people to speak to a midwife or doctor rather than stopping medication abruptly.