On September 22, 2025, President Donald Trump warned against the use of Tylenol during pregnancy, claiming without proof that it may be linked to autism. His remarks prompted an immediate surge of inquiries from patients to medical professionals, particularly in California, where ob-gyn Dr. Nathaniel DeNicola reported a brief uptick in confusion surrounding the medication, reports BritPanorama.
Although the initial wave of concern subsided within days, experts quickly countered Trump’s assertions with strong endorsements of the drug’s safety during pregnancy. “The scientific medical community was so prompt in its response and so definitive in its assertion of the utility and safety of Tylenol during pregnancy,” DeNicola noted, suggesting that most patients returned to trusting their healthcare providers after a short bout of concern.
Dr. Lynn Yee, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Northwestern University, indicated that her practice has seen a decline in questions regarding Tylenol, illustrating a shift in public perception since the fall of 2025. She credited the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine for effectively communicating the drug’s safety to the public.
In fact, guidance from ACOG states that “acetaminophen remains the analgesic and antipyretic of choice during pregnancy,” advising its judicious use at the lowest effective dose. Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is lauded as the only safe over-the-counter remedy for treating pain or fever during pregnancy, unlike other medications like ibuprofen or aspirin which can pose significant risks.
Researching the topic further, several studies indicate a potential link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders, although the consensus remains that autism has multifactorial origins, including genetics and environmental factors. Experts emphasize that while some studies suggest a link, many urge caution against overgeneralization, stating the science remains inconclusive.
A recent review published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health analyzed data from over 300,000 pregnancies, asserting no strong evidence tying maternal acetaminophen use to increased likelihood of autism or ADHD in offspring. This adds to the discourse, as professionals like Dr. Asma Khalil advocate for the benefits of sibling comparison studies which control for common familial variables, strengthening the argument for acetaminophen’s safety during pregnancy.
Despite the government’s cautionary stance highlighted through a September fact sheet and FDA warnings concerning acetaminophen, Dr. Khalil contends that the data reviewed provides reassurance rather than heightened anxiety over its use. Yet, the Department of Health and Human Services noted that criticisms of newer findings may not address the vast body of existing literature on potential risks.
This ongoing debate surrounding Tylenol’s safety in pregnancy underscores the complex interplay of medical science and public perception, as experts strive to navigate the implications of drug use while ensuring the health and wellbeing of mothers and their children remains at the forefront.
