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Tylenol and Pregnancy
What the evidence shows and what you can do
On September 22, President Trump warned pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol, the most popular brand of acetaminophen. While this advice was presented in an alarming manner and has generally been denounced by the media, it is backed by compelling scientific evidence.
In 2021, 91 scientists, clinicians and public health professionals from all around the world wrote a Consensus Statement recommending that:
- Pregnant women should forego Paracetamol, otherwise known as acetaminophen, unless medically indicated.
- Pregnant women should consult with their physician or pharmacist if they are uncertain whether use is indicated and before using on a long-term basis.
- Pregnant women should minimize risk by using the lowest effective acetaminophen dose for the shortest possible time
An August 14, 2025 study published in Environmental Health, “Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology” analyzed 46 studies and found that the majority of the studies reported positive associations between prenatal acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD, especially if acetaminophen is taken for four weeks or longer.
