WOMEN who take paracetamol during pregnancy risk lowering their kid’s IQ, a study reveals.

Experts also found it raised the chances of ADHD and autism.

Researchers from Harvard and other US universities looked at 150,000 mums and babies around the world.

One study found a three-point drop in IQ for kids aged five whose mum took paracetamol for pain relief but did not have a fever.

Other research shows toddlers exposed to the drug in the womb struggled with speech.

The findings raise fears that paracetamol alters the balance of key hormones in the uterus.

The NHS said women should avoid drugs in pregnancy, particularly in the first three months.

But if needed “paracetamol is usually safe”.

In the journal Hormones and Behaviour, researchers said: “Pregnant women should be cautioned against indiscriminate use of this medication.”

Dr Daghni Rajasingam, of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said it should be used at the lowest dose for the shortest time.