By Lois McCarthy

Copyright walesonline

A leading Welsh medical expert has dismissed recent claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested pregnant women should avoid taking the American equivalent of paracetamol. Speaking at a press conference on Monday (September 22), Trump said acetaminophen – commonly known as Tylenol in the U.S. and equivalent to paracetamol in the UK- “is no good” for pregnant women and urged them, “don’t take it.” Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here “Acetaminophen, which is basically Tylenol, during pregnancy can be associated with an increased risk of autism,” he claimed. “So taking Tylenol is not good.” Wales First Minister Eluned Morgan has warned that the country will ‘fall into chaos’ if Plaid or Reform win power – you can read more on that here . However, the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Professor Isabel Oliver, has strongly rebuked these claims, advising pregnant women to continue following established NHS guidance: using paracetamol only when necessary and always according to the instructions on the label. “Paracetamol is a safe and effective medication for pain relief and fever during pregnancy when taken as directed,” she said. “There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. On the other hand, untreated pain and fever can pose risks to both pregnant women and their unborn babies.” Medical experts across the UK have backed Professor Oliver, emphasising that paracetamol remains the safest painkiller available to pregnant women. In light of this, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “I trust doctors over President Trump, frankly, on this.” Trump’s comments were brought up during an LBC interview with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. When asked for his thoughts, Mr Farage refused to disregard the claims, saying: “That’s an opinion he’s got. It’s not one that I necessarily share. But I mean, honestly, I’ve no idea.” Pressed on whether he would side with medical experts who have widely rejected a link between paracetamol use and autism; dubbing it “dangerous” – Mr Farage responded: “I wouldn’t, when it comes to science, I don’t side with anybody. Science is never settled, and we should remember that.” He added: “We were told thalidomide was a very safe drug and it wasn’t”. The issue was also raised in the Senedd on Wednesday (September 24). Conservative MS Peter Fox criticised Farage’s comments, saying: “We know that Mr Farage has failed to stand up against the latest conspiracy theory that paracetamol is being linked to autism. Wales doesn’t need unfounded conspiracy theorists running our health service.”