Can paracetamol be taken in pregnancy? MHRA’s latest update to help guide you.

Introduction

Can paracetamol be taken in pregnancy? This is one of the most common questions we get asked from expectant mums to be and recent guidance from the UK regulator, the MHRA, offers reassuring news for all pregnant women. In a statement published 22 September 2025, the MHRA confirmed that taking Paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe when used as directed, and there is no evidence it causes autism in children.

At The Scan Clinic, where we support women through pregnancy scans, fertility assessments and related services, we believe providing clear, evidence-based information is essential for peace of mind. This update helps clarify common concerns and empowers you to discuss pain relief and medication options confidently with your midwife, obstetrician or fertility specialist.

What the MHRA update says

Here are the key points from the MHRA’s news item helping to give an answer to can paracetamol be taken in pregnancy:

• Paracetamol remains the recommended first-choice painkiller for pregnant women, when used as directed (lowest dose, shortest duration).
• There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
• Untreated pain or fever during pregnancy can pose risks to the unborn baby, so managing symptoms matters.
• Pregnant women should not swap to alternatives such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen without professional advice – NSAIDs are generally not recommended for many stages of pregnancy.
• The MHRA continues to monitor medicines in pregnancy through robust surveillance.

If you’d like to read the full MHRA article, you can do so here: MHRA confirms taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe

Why this matters to pregnancy & fertility care

At a clinic like The Scan Clinic, where we perform ultrasound scans in pregnancy and provide support for fertility and pregnancy health, here are some of the implications:

1. Peace of mind for expectant mothers

Many pregnant women worry about can paracetamol be taken in pregnancy or whether medications they take might affect their baby’s development. The MHRA’s statement provides reassurance that, when taken as directed, paracetamol is safe. That means one less concern to carry.

2. Importance of symptom management

Pain (for example headaches, back pain) and fever during pregnancy aren’t just inconvenient — they can have knock-on effects on maternal and fetal wellbeing. Managing symptoms with a safe option like paracetamol helps maintain comfort and health. (For example, the National Health Service (NHS) notes that for headaches in pregnancy, paracetamol is the first-choice painkiller. nhs.uk)

By contrast, avoiding medication if you need it or switching to less safe alternatives could carry more risk than benefit.

3. Integration with scan and monitoring services

During your scan appointments, whether for routine pregnancy scans or fertility support, knowing that your pain relief is likely safe allows your clinician and scanning team to focus on the imaging, health markers and broader wellbeing, rather than worrying about medication concerns.
It means our ultrasound technologists, sonographers and doctors can discuss your pregnancy health in a broader context, including pain/fever management in earlier or later pregnancy, alongside scans of fetal anatomy, growth and development.

Practical advice: How to use paracetamol safely in pregnancy

Here are some tips — always following your own healthcare provider’s advice:

• Use paracetamol only when needed, at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible time. This is consistent with MHRA and NHS guidance.
• Always read and follow the patient information leaflet for the specific medicine you’re taking.
• Don’t assume stronger = better — taking more or for longer than needed isn’t advisable unless advised by a healthcare professional.
• If pain or fever continues despite paracetamol, or if you’re unsure whether the symptom might relate to something more serious (for example persistent headache, fever, signs of infection), speak with your midwife, GP or obstetric-team.
• Avoid switching to NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, naproxen) without medical advice — especially in certain stages of pregnancy these are either not recommended or require specialist oversight.
• Inform your fertility specialist or obstetric team of all medications you take (including over-the-counter ones) so they can consider them in the full context of your pregnancy or fertility journey.
• If you are pregnant and attending a scan (for example a dating scan, anomaly scan, growth scan) and you’ve had pain/fever recently, let the scanning team or your clinician know — it’s relevant background information for your care.

Can paracetamol be taken in pregnancy – practical tips.

Conclusion

In summary: Can paracetamol be taken in pregnancy? The MHRA’s recent statement provides valuable reassurance that paracetamol, when used correctly, remains a safe option for managing pain or fever in pregnancy and that there is no evidence it causes autism in children. For women undergoing imaging at The Scan Clinic, this means you can be confident that pain relief needs can be managed safely — supporting your comfort and wellbeing so that we can focus on what matters most: monitoring your pregnancy or fertility journey with the highest standards of care.

As always, if you have any doubts or specific concerns (especially if you have underlying medical conditions, complex fertility history, or are in a high-risk pregnancy), please speak to your obstetrician or midwife. Our team at The Scan Clinic is here to support you through every step of your scan and pregnancy care journey.