Paracetamol, Autism, and Other Tall Tales: Where to Find Real Info on Medicines in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Ah, the orange eejit is at it again. You know the one — loud hair, louder mouth, never met a fact he couldn’t strangle. This week’s gem? Apparently, paracetamol causes autism. Right. And apparently I cause global warming every time I boil the kettle.

Here’s the truth: deciding whether to take any medicine in pregnancy or while breastfeeding is scary enough without politicians spouting pseudoscience like it’s gospel. You deserve proper information — not nonsense.

So, where can you actually find evidence-based, trustworthy info?

1. The HSE Website

Yes, our very own HSE has guidance on safe medicines in pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s written by actual doctors and pharmacists, not men with spray tans.

2. The Breastfeeding Network (UK)

They run a brilliant Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service. You can search common meds or even email their specialist pharmacist if you’re unsure. They are straight-talking and pro-breastfeeding, just like me.

3. The InfantRisk Centre (US)

Run out of Texas Tech University, these are global leaders in research on medication safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding. They have a helpline and a mobile app if you want detail down to the molecule.

4. Specialist Pharmacists

Most maternity hospitals have pharmacists who can answer questions on meds in pregnancy. And if you’re breastfeeding, ask to be referred to a lactation consultant (like me) — we’ll make sure your questions don’t get brushed aside.

5. Good Old Common Sense

If a man with no medical training tells you that everyday medicines are causing the downfall of civilisation, maybe don’t take your healthcare advice from him. If in doubt — ask your GP, midwife, or IBCLC.

The Bottom Line

Paracetamol has been used safely for donkey’s years in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Does that mean you should pop them like Smarties? No. But if you’ve a fever, pain, or a banging headache, it’s still the go-to option.

Your health matters. Your baby’s health matters. And decisions about medicines should be based on science, not soundbites.

So the next time a politician starts talking about pregnancy drugs, remember: he’s about as qualified to advise you as I am to run a hotel in Vegas. Which is to say — not at all.

Key Resources & Links

• HSE — “Taking medicine while breastfeeding” https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/breastfeeding/health-lifestyle/taking-medication/ (Great for people in Ireland — “most medicines pass in very low amounts” etc.) HSE.ie

• HSE — Antimicrobial Safety in Pregnancy & Lactation (clinical guideline) PDF guide for antibiotics and related drugs in pregnancy & breastfeeding HSE.ie

• Breastfeeding Network — Drugs in Breastmilk Service Runs a helpline + factsheets on drugs & breastfeeding Their factsheets page: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets/ The Breastfeeding Network

• InfantRisk Center - Database + research on how drugs transfer into breast milk & pregnancy safety info InfantRisk Center

• LactMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) A peer-reviewed database of medicines & chemicals: how much shows up in breast milk, possible effects, safer alternatives. NCBI

• EMA — Medicines in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding European Medicines Agency overview on regulatory and safety info European Medicines Agency (EMA)

• UK guidance — Use of medicines in pregnancy & breastfeeding Provides general principles & patient/clinician guidance. GOV.UK

• St James’s Hospital / National Medicines Info Centre (Dublin) — Use of Medicines in Breastfeeding Women (PDF) Localised Irish resource with principles & examples. stjames.ie