Recent headlines about Tylenol use in pregnancy and the risk of autism or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have left many expectant parents feeling anxious and unsure. With so much information — and misinformation — circulating, it’s natural to second-guess what’s truly safe.
We’re here to help.
Tylenol and ADHD: What Expecting Parents Should Know
Pregnancy comes with countless decisions and no shortage of worry.
Recently, you may have seen headlines claiming that taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy can raise a child’s risk of ADHD and autism. To summarize the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) response to the role of Tylenol — the FDA is changing the label for acetaminophen (Tylenol and similar products) to indicate the possible link between the use of acetaminophen by pregnant women and neurological conditions such as autism and ADHD in children. The FDA’s full response can be seen here.
Understanding ADHD & Autism
First, a quick primer on ADHD: ADHD is a complex condition influenced by many factors, including genetics, prenatal environment, and other early life experiences. ADHD mainly involves challenges with attention, impulsivity, and staying organized. There’s no single cause, and no single exposure — like taking a pain reliever — that can determine whether a child develops ADHD. You can learn more about ADHD here.
Second, a high-level overview of autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a wide range of conditions marked by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. There are many causes for ASD. Research suggests it develops from a combination of genetic and environmental influences, which include social determinants. You can learn more about ASD from Autism Speaks here.
While ADHD and ASD can sometimes look similar, they affect people in different ways.
Tylenol During Pregnancy
Acetaminophen is one of the safest options for managing pain or fever while pregnant. And treating these symptoms is vitally important: When left unmanaged, fever, headaches, or pain during pregnancy can actively harm both the carrying parent and the baby.
Some studies have suggested a possible link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and ADHD or autism. But it’s important to know these studies have limitations. They often rely on self-reported use (details people may misremember or even misattribute), don’t always account for other factors (like parental genetics), and cannot prove cause and effect.
The highest-quality research to date, including a study published in JAMA, found a slight correlation between Tylenol use and a higher risk of autism or ADHD. The study stated that the risk of autism in patients who were not exposed to acetaminophen while they were fetuses was 1.33% compared to 1.53% in those who were exposed. For ADHD, the rates in patients who were not exposed were 2.46% compared to those who were at 2.87%. However (and this is crucial) researchers also found that when they compared siblings (one exposed and one not), there was no difference in outcomes. This shows that the effect of acetaminophen is not a cause of autism or ADHD but rather simply a correlation due to some other reason.
What Experts Say
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has made it very clear:
“In more than two decades of research, not a single reputable study has concluded that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes neurodevelopmental disorders. The conditions people use acetaminophen to treat — like fever, pain, or headaches — are far more dangerous if left untreated.”
In other words, acetaminophen remains a safe and important option for expectant parents when used as directed.
Tips for Peace of Mind
- Use it safely. Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest period needed.
- Talk to your healthcare provider. Your OB/GYN can guide you on safe options and help you weigh any concerns.
- Stay informed, not alarmed. Headlines can be scary, but the evidence shows acetaminophen is safe when used appropriately.
Bottom Line
Pregnancy can be stressful enough without the added burden of second-guessing every choice. Expectant parents are constantly weighing what will do the least harm and the most good. Even seemingly simple decisions can feel complicated, and it’s natural for parents to question themselves or feel uncertain.
When it comes to Tylenol, there is no evidence that Tylenol increases the risk of ADHD or autism. There is a mild correlation, but that is likely due to other factors. Acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter medication that’s considered safe to use for treating fevers during pregnancy. Since high fevers can pose risks to the baby, it’s important not to avoid taking it when needed. If you’re ever unsure about dosing or whether to take it, check in with your healthcare provider for guidance.
Accurate information grounded in science and delivered with care empowers families to make the best choices for their health and their baby’s well-being.
In support,
Raymond Raad, MD
CEO & Psychiatrist, Rivia Mind
Resources:
- ACOG Affirms Safety and Benefits of Acetaminophen during Pregnancy
- Ahlqvist VH, Sjöqvist H, Dalman C, et al. Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability. JAMA. 2024;331(14):1205–1214. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.3172
- Modabbernia, A., Velthorst, E., & Reichenberg, A. (2017). Environmental risk factors for autism: an evidence-based review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Molecular autism, 8, 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-017-0121-4
