“This suggests that if a pregnant person took acetaminophen 13 times, or once per week, during the third trimester of that pregnancy, their child might express 26 fewer words at age 2 than other children that age,” said Woodbury.
The team emphasized the significance of this phase in fetal brain development, with crucial growth of hearing occurring during the second trimester and the onset of language development during the third trimester.
“It’s thought that acetaminophen exerts its analgesic effect through the endocannabinoid system, which is also very important for fetal development,” Woodbury explained.
However, the researchers are still advising against complete avoidance of acetaminophen during pregnancy, particularly in cases of high fevers or severe pain, because extremely high fevers can also pose risks.
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in Pediatric Research, visit the link here.
