About us Mō mātou

About the Ministry of Health and the New Zealand health system. 

Regulation & legislation Ngā here me ngā ture

Health providers and products we regulate, and laws we administer.

Strategies & initiatives He rautaki, he tūmahi hou

How we’re working to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders.

Monitoring & statistics He aroturuki, he tatauranga

Data and insights from our health surveys, research and monitoring.

Māori health Hauora Māori

Increasing access to health services, achieving equity and improving outcomes for Māori.

Publication date:

The Ministry of Health's advice on the use of paracetamol in pregnancy has not changed. 

Paracetamol continues to be the safest medicine to take in pregnancy if you require pain relief or treatment for fever.   

High-quality scientific evidence shows no causal link between autism and using paracetamol while pregnant.  

Medsafe, which responsible for assessing the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines, has reviewed this issue several times in the past and concluded there was no link. Medsafe continues to monitor the safety of all approved medicines, and to take action when necessary.

If you have concerns about any medicine, we encourage you to speak with a trusted healthcare provider. 

© Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora