Summary
A new White House announcement has sparked concern over Tylenol use in pregnancy, citing studies linking it with autism and ADHD. While the FDA moves to update labels, Canadian experts urge caution but not alarm. Health Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada emphasize that acetaminophen remains the safest option for pain and fever in pregnancy when used correctly—reminding patients to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
This week’s headline-making U.S. announcement from The White House calling attention to studies that suggest an association between pregnant women taking Tylenol and neurodevelopmental disorders has left many women worrying about taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) prenatally.
Used by 40 to 65 per cent of pregnant women, acetaminophen is considered the first-choice and safest over-the-counter option for prenatal pain and fever relief. With the recent White House announcement, associations such as the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada have reassured patients that acetaminophen is safe to take during pregnancy:
“Despite some claims suggesting a causal link between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and certain neurodevelopmental disorders, the SOGC reasserts that the evidence supporting these claims is weak and has been consistently refuted by scientific and regulatory bodies. Reputable international medical organizations have likewise firmly stated that current clinical practice regarding acetaminophen use during pregnancy should not change.
The SOGC emphasizes that untreated fever in pregnancy carries well-documented risks for both mother and baby, including fetal organ malformations, fetal cardiovascular complications and even Autism Spectrum Disorder. Access to effective pain management is considered a human right, which women should not be denied just because they are pregnant.” – Official statement from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
What the U.S. Announcement Actually Said
On September 22, 2025, the U.S. White House/HHS highlighted research that, according to officials, supports a possible association between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD.
In response the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it had initiated a process to update labeling and issued a notice to physicians to raise awareness of the evidence and uncertainties.
The Scientific Picture
Over the past decade a growing number of observational studies have reported associations between longer or more frequent use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and slightly higher rates of some outcomes — most commonly ADHD and some measures of neurodevelopment.
Other studies that include large sibling-comparison analyses suggest the association weakens when familial environment and genetics are accounted for. That pattern is precisely why experts urge caution in interpretation.
Important details scientists point to:
- Many studies are observational and cannot conclusively separate the effects of the drug from the reasons it was taken (for example, maternal fever or infection, which themselves can affect fetal development).
- Some high-quality sibling-control analyses (which compare siblings with and without exposure during pregnancy) have not found increased risks.
- Several reviews note a dose-response pattern, that is, frequent or chronic use is where any signal appears strongest. Short, occasional use shows far less consistent evidence.
What Medical Authorities are Saying
- Health Canada: Health Canada’s current public guidance is that there is no conclusive evidence that using acetaminophen as directed during pregnancy causes autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Health Canada recommends acetaminophen as an appropriate option for treating pain and fever in pregnancy when needed, emphasizing proper dosing and that fever itself is a known risk to pregnancy.
- International bodies: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), WHO confirm that acetaminophen remains the recommended option for fever and pain in pregnancy when needed — again, with the caveat to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy and are worried about taking acetaminophen, consult your care provider or pharmacist. If, during your pregnancy, you find yourself needing frequent or high-dose analgesia, talk to your obstetrician, midwife or pharmacist. Untreated underlying conditions (like infection, migraine or inflammatory disease) may require their own treatment plans.
While tempting, don’t make medication decisions based on headlines alone. The U.S. labeling action and media attention are meant to stimulate caution and research — they do not prove cause-and-effect. Your healthcare provider can help you interpret the risk and make decisions based upon your individual situation.
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