Welcome to ISOM
ISOM brings together the diverse range of clinicians and researchers with an interest in the care of pregnant women with underlying medical disorders. We recognize that access to skilled obstetric medicine clinicians varies markedly in different areas of the world and we hope to support a broader propagation of experts in our field.
We welcome physicians, obstetricians, medical sub-specialists, maternal fetal medicine doctors, anesthesiologists, researchers, nurses and registered midwives and clinicians of all types to our society.
ISOM Paracetamol Statement:
ISOM Statement Regarding the use of Paracetamol/Acetaminophen in Pregnancy
The International Society of Obstetric Medicine encourages continued support for the safe and appropriate use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy. In light of the recent statement issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services suggesting a potential link between paracetamol use and neurodevelopmental disorders in children, we wish to reassure our members and the public that current scientific evidence does not support such claims.
Paracetamol remains one of the few effective and well-tolerated medications available to manage pain and fever during pregnancy—conditions which, if left untreated, can pose significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. Untreated fever in pregnancy has been associated with adverse outcomes including neural tube defects, cardiovascular abnormalities and miscarriage, and paracetamol is widely recommended as a first-line treatment.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has strongly criticized the DHHS announcement, noting that it is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence and dangerously oversimplifies the complex causes of neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD. High-quality studies, including those published in peer-reviewed journals such as JAMA, have found no significant association between paracetamol use during pregnancy and increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability.
We urge clinicians to continue prescribing paracetamol when medically indicated, using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary, as per established guidelines. Pregnant individuals should not be alarmed by speculative claims and are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers before making any changes to their medication regimen.
The International Society of Obstetric Medicine remains committed to evidence-based practice and will continue to monitor emerging research in this area. We stand with our international colleagues in advocating for responsible public health messaging that prioritizes the well-being of pregnant individuals and their families.
Other Supporting Statements:
https://uktis.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/UKTIS-MOMS-BMFMS-RCOG-Paracetamol-ASD-Statement.pdf
https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2025/09/acog-affirms-safety-benefits-acetaminophen-pregnancy
https://sogc.org/common/Uploaded%20files/Position%20Statements/SOGC%20Position%20Statement%20Acetamenophin_EN_20250911.pdf