09/26/2025
🤰💊 Acetaminophen AND Pregnancy – What’s the Real Risk of Autism?
🗞️ 📺 Headlines link acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy with Autism and possibly other neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD.🗞️ 📺
Here’s what the research ACTUALLY shows:
✨ Some studies found a correlation (when 2 things happen at the same time) with acetaminophen and autism, BUT correlation DOES NOT = Causation.
👩👧 A massive study of 2.5 million children found that when controlling for siblings (genetics + family factors), the link between acetaminophen and a later diagnosis of autism completely disappeared.
✅ This means moms who used acetaminophen were no more likely to have children with autism than those who didn’t.
👉 Why this matters:
Leaving fever untreated in pregnancy poses great risks for both mom and baby. That’s why acetaminophen, when used as recommended by a physician, remains an important and safe option.
💡 Bottom line: Moms shouldn’t be told "TOUGH IT OUT" and be scared away from using acetaminophen responsibly under their doctor’s care.