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Understanding Maternal Attitudes and Practices towards Acetaminophen Use during Pregnancy and its Potential Impact on Children s Sleep and Attention

. Javeria Sheikh, Dr. Amber Nawab, Najaf Farooq, Zubia Begum & Sehar Iqtidar


Abstract

Acetaminophen is widely used during pregnancy since it is thought to be safe for treating pain and fever. However, recent research has highlighted concerns about the long-term implications on prenatal development, particularly neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. This cross-sectional study sought to investigate maternal attitudes and practices about the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy, as well as the potential impact on children's sleep and attentiveness. The study, conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, examined mothers with children aged 1 to 5 years old using a standardized questionnaire that included demographic information, acetaminophen use during pregnancy, maternal and child sleep habits, and attention-related behaviors. The findings found that a large proportion of mothers took acetaminophen throughout pregnancy, mostly for pain reduction and cramp management, with consistent use across trimesters. Furthermore, a significant proportion of women reported a family history or past diagnoses of sleep and attention issues in their children. Despite this, few mothers sought medical advice or explored alternative remedies for these difficulties. Furthermore, the majority were ignorant of acetaminophen's potential link to sleep and attention difficulties in youngsters. These findings highlight the need for greater drug awareness and educated decision-making among pregnant women, as well as the role of healthcare practitioners in guiding and monitoring maternal and child health outcomes. More study is needed to understand the long-term effects of prenatal acetaminophen exposure on children's neurodevelopment and to guide evidence-based mother and child healthcare practices

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