Safety Benefits know about Acetaminophen Pregnancy 2025-2026
Health experts reassure that Tylenol is safe for use during pregnancy, dismissing unverified claims from the Trump administration that link it to autism.
During a Monday press briefing, President Donald Trump cautioned against Tylenol use, urging pregnant women to avoid it and advising parents not to give it to infants unless absolutely necessary.
Extensive research has led U.S. medical organizations to endorse acetaminophen (Tylenol) as a safe option for relieving pain and fever during pregnancy, noting that its proven benefits outweigh potential risks.
American Academy
Dr. Susan Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, criticized today’s White House autism event, saying it spread harmful claims and misinformation that confuse parents and expectant families while undermining support for autistic individuals.
Experts emphasize that research on any connection between Tylenol and autism has major limitations, and no new evidence was shared at Monday’s briefing. Acetaminophen remains widely recognized as one of the safest and most effective treatments for pain and fever during pregnancy.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, acetaminophen (paracetamol) is considered safe during pregnancy and is recommended as a first-line treatment. The organization reaffirmed on Monday that it has no plans to change this guidance.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine reaffirmed that acetaminophen is a safe and appropriate option for treating pain and fever during pregnancy. The group advises pregnant patients to consult their healthcare providers about any medication use, noting that current evidence does not confirm a causal link between acetaminophen and neurobehavioral disorders in children.
March of Dimes, a leading nonprofit dedicated to maternal and infant health, also supports this view. In a statement, Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Michael Warren emphasized that families deserve access to accurate, science-based information during pregnancy and early parenthood to help ensure healthier mothers and the best possible start for every baby.
Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Michael Warren
He noted that acetaminophen remains one of the safest and most effective ways to manage pain and fever during pregnancy when used as directed by a healthcare provider, adding that untreated fever can pose serious risks for both the mother and the baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics stated that decades of research confirm acetaminophen is safe for children when used as directed. The group warned that false claims suggesting a link to autism create confusion and pose risks for parents and expectant families, while also harming support for autistic individuals.
Dr. James McPartland
Research examining a potential connection between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism remains inconclusive, and even fewer studies have evaluated autism prevalence linked to acetaminophen use in infancy or early childhood.
Dr. James McPartland, child psychologist and director of the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic, told newsfasttv that the key takeaway from the conference is that autism is complex and has multiple contributing factors. He emphasized that autism is not caused by a single factor but involves a multifaceted etiolo
Risks vs. benefits
Earlier this year, researchers from the University of South Florida and the University of British Columbia published a review analyzing studies on the most widely used pain medications during pregnancy and their potential risks to fetal health.
Certain medications have been shown to pose risks during pregnancy. For instance, the steroid prednisone has been linked to cleft lip or palate birth defects. According to ACOG, ibuprofen (such as Advil) and other NSAIDs should only be taken in the second trimester.
Research indicates that using ibuprofen in the first trimester may increase the risk of miscarriage and has been associated with various birth defects, while third-trimester use has also shown potential links to developmental complications.
Dr. Allison Bryant
On Monday, Trump claimed there is ” no downside ” to avoiding Tylenol during pregnancy, but medical experts warn that leaving pain or fever untreated can pose serious risks.
A Pediatrics journal review found that fevers in the first trimester may significantly increase the chances of congenital heart defects, neural tube defects, and oral clefts, in some cases tripling the risk.
High fevers during pregnancy can impact fetal brain development, and some studies suggest that fever itself may be a potential risk factor for neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism.
Experts stress that more research is needed on this subject; however, some evidence suggests that using fever-reducing medication during pregnancy may offer a protective benefit.
Dr. Allison Bryant, an ob/gyn and maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, noted that some pregnant patients prefer to limit medication use and may choose to cope with mild headaches or minor pain without taking any medication .
Dr. Bryant explained that healthcare providers may sometimes recommend acetaminophen during pregnancy to ensure pain is effectively managed and to rule out more serious underlying conditions. ” If a pregnant patient experiences a headache, we often want to confirm it will subside, ” she said. ”
Acetaminophen can also be used diagnostically to determine that a headache isn’t linked to high blood pressure, so patients shouldn’t be afraid to use it when advised by their provider.
The best of limited options
During Monday’s briefing, health officials revealed that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to notify physicians about potential risks of acetaminophen use during pregnancy and will work to update safety labels on products like Tylenol.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. added that clinicians will be advised to ‘prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration and only when treatment is required.
This approach largely aligns with current medical guidance. ” Existing recommendations have long advised using Tylenol-and any medication-during pregnancy as sparingly as possible, ” said Dr. James McPartland. ”
What was discussed today is consistent with longstanding guidance. Pregnant women should consult their obstetricians to determine the safest approach, considering the risks of illness during pregnancy.”
Dr. James McPartland.
Nuanced discussions are crucial, as recommendations for managing pain or fever in pregnant patients differ from those for non-pregnant individuals, explained Dr. Bryant, who chairs ACOG’s clinical consensus committee on obstetrics.
” Treatment options are limited, and the risks can be significant, ” she added.
Experts widely agree that acetaminophen is among the safest and most effective options for managing pain and fever during pregnancy.
This over-the-counter medication is commonly used by expectant mothers. Decades of research, including large-scale and case-control studies, indicate that acetaminophen is generally safe when used as directed during pregnancy, according to a recent review.
Researchers caution that recent studies exploring potential links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes, including autism, are affected by significant biases.
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Maternal-Fetal Medicine
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine reviewed these studies when issuing its current guidance and noted major limitations. Many studies rely on self-reported acetaminophen use without specifying dosage or duration, and some depend on parent-reported neurodevelopmental disorders in children without clinical verification.
Dr. Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, told newsfasttv on Monday that the key question is whether acetaminophen itself is associated with autism, or if the underlying pain or fever that prompted its use during pregnancy plays a larger role.
Dr. Fleischman noted that retrospective studies do not establish a clear causal relationship. ‘It’s premature to claim any definitive link,’ he said. ‘Even in the few studies suggesting a connection, the relationship is minimal and the studies themselves are poorly designed.
Safe for children
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that research does not support a link between acetaminophen use in infants or children and autism, emphasizing that extensive studies show there is no single cause of autism. The organization also provides clear dosing guidelines, noting that children under 12 weeks should only receive acetaminophen under a pediatrician’s guidance.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that research does not support a link between acetaminophen use in infants or children and autism, emphasizing that extensive studies show there is no single cause of autism. The organization also provides clear dosing guidelines , noting that children under 12 weeks should only receive acetaminophen under a pediatrician’s guidance .
Communication is key
Guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and other medical organizations provides evidence-based resources to help facilitate informed discussions between healthcare providers and patients.
As with all medications during pregnancy, discussions about the risks and benefits of both prescription and over-the-counter drugs should take place between patient and provider, ” the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s publication committee stated.
Dr. Elizabeth Werner Columbia University
Dr. Elizabeth Werner, a clinical psychologist at Columbia University specializing in pregnancy and postpartum care, explained that many pregnant individuals feel intense pressure to do everything perfectly, which can be stressful. She noted that clinical studies involving pregnant people often show associations rather than clear causal links, and this uncertainty can increase confusion and anxiety.
Pregnancy comes with the pressure to do everything right, so it can be stressful when guidance is unclear about what to do or avoid, Dr. Werner said. She emphasized that evaluating the reliability of information sources is crucial.
I strongly encourage individuals to consult their doctors and review information together with a healthcare professional familiar with their personal circumstances, ” Dr. Werner said. ” This helps them make informed decisions about the medical treatments they may need.
