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IAWH Brief: Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Use in Pregnancy & Autism — What Women Need to Know Now
- advancingherhealth
- Sep 28
- 3 min read
From the Institute for the Advancement of Women’s Health (IAWH)
Last week’s White House/HHS briefing asserted that acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy may be linked to autism and announced steps toward an FDA label change and a “notice to physicians.” Those announcements landed in an already noisy news space, one where pregnant women are asked to navigate pain, fever, and risk with limited, often conflicting guidance.
Not only is this announcement in conflict with evidence-based guidance from around the globe, it also surreptitiously places the blame for children being born with autism at the feet of women. IAWH’s commitment is to help you cut through the noise with clear.
The Bottom Line (for now)
No health authority has concluded that acetaminophen causes autism. Following the U.S. announcements, major medical and public health organizations emphasized that current evidence does not establish a causal link. The World Health Organization, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) all reaffirmed that paracetamol (acetaminophen) can be used in pregnancy as directed, at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. WHO
ACOG (the U.S. professional body for OB/GYNs) still lists acetaminophen as the analgesic/antipyretic of choice in pregnancy—used judiciously and for short courses. Untreated fever and severe pain carry their own risks for mom and baby. ACOG
Research is mixed. Some recent studies report associations between frequent or prolonged prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental diagnoses; others—especially those using rigorous designs, do not find an association. Association ≠ causation, and findings remain under active review. Nature+1
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How Common Is Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy and Why Is It Given?
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is among the most commonly used medicines in pregnancy worldwide. Estimates suggest about half of pregnant people use it at some point, typically for fever or pain (headache, musculoskeletal pain, dental pain) when non-pharmacologic measures aren’t enough. In many countries, it is the first-line option because alternatives like NSAIDs are generally avoided in parts of pregnancy. Nature+1
In the U.S., ACOG advises short, symptom-guided use at the lowest effective dose. Internationally, guidance from the WHO is consistent: use as needed, lowest dose, shortest duration; treat fever (because maternal fever itself can be harmful). WHO
Typical circumstances for use:
Fever (≥100.4°F / 38°C) to reduce maternal temperature.
Headache or migraine, when rest, hydration, and other non-drug strategies fail.
Musculoskeletal or dental pain when non-pharmacologic measures (ice, heat, stretching) are insufficient.
Colds/flu symptoms to reduce discomfort and fever.
Closing Thoughts
At this moment, the science is clear: there is no proven connection between Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism. While researchers continue to explore possible associations, no study has demonstrated causation, and leading medical bodies worldwide continue to recommend acetaminophen as safe when used appropriately. Most importantly, women must not bear the burden of blame—because we carry children, we are often made to feel responsible for every outcome, but autism is not the fault of mothers.
IAWH underscores that autism is a complex condition influenced by many factors, and no woman, especially one who has followed evidence-based care throughout her pregnancy, should be made to bear guilt for her child’s diagnosis.
As always, at IAWH, our goal is to share information that provides context and content to inform your discussions with your care provider, ultimately supporting your decision-making process.
Cheryl Thompson, MSPH &
Janine E, Payne, MPH
Co-Executive Directors
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