For more than 175 years, Catholic Health has been dedicated to caring for moms and babies in WNY with the highest standards of safety and quality.
Recently, questions have been raised about whether taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy could be linked to autism. More than 50 years of scientific research has shown there is no simple answer to what causes autism. It is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that arises from a constellation of genetic factors and environmental influences.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), our professional partner, has pointed to large, well-designed studies showing no evidence of such a connection. According to ACOG, “In more than two decades of research on the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy, not a single reputable study has successfully concluded that the use of acetaminophen in any trimester of pregnancy causes neurodevelopmental disorders in children. In fact, the two highest-quality studies on this subject—one of which was published in JAMA last year—found no significant associations between use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and children’s risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability.”
When considering the use of medication in pregnancy, it’s important to consider all potential risks along with any benefits. Catholic Health supports the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy, when taken as needed, in moderation, and after consultation with a doctor.
For more information on this topic, please visit ACOG Acetaminophen in Pregnancy FAQs or read the Journal of the American Medical Association’s 2024 Study on Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability.
