The Trump administration stated on Monday that the use of Tylenol during pregnancy may be linked to an increased risk of autism and that pregnant women should limit their use, contradicting medical evidence.
The researchers noted that while steps should be taken to limit acetaminophen use, the drug is important for treating pain and fever during pregnancy, which can also harm the developing fetus. High fever can raise the risk of neural tube defects and preterm birth.
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol and many cold and flu medications, is used to reduce pain and fever in pregnancy.The Food and Drug Administration is "strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary," he said.
As we can see from the illustration, Pregnancy And Tylenol Usage Limits has many fascinating aspects to explore.
At some point during pregnancy, most people use acetaminophen, studies show. Acetaminophen also known as paracetamol and sold under the brand name Tylenol is considered the only safe over-the-counter option for pain or fever for pregnant people.
A 2016 scientific review by an FDA senior medical advisor in the Office of Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology recommended telling pregnant women to limit use of Tylenol (referred to here by the abbreviation APAP).
Researchers argued some steps should be taken to limit use of the drug, but said it was still important for treating maternal fever and pain. But another study, published in 2024, found no relationship between exposure to Tylenol and autism.
The relationship between prenatal acetaminophen use (Tylenol during pregnancy) and ADHD in the child was positive, and sometimes showed a dose-response relationship. This means that the risk of ADHD increases with the amount of acetaminophen consumed.
"They are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary," Trump said, referring to the FDA. "That's, for instance, in cases of extremely high fever." Speaking directly to pregnant people, he added, "Don't take Tylenol. There's no downside.
