Acetaminophen and Pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions Expand All

• What is acetaminophen?

  Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used for pain, fever, and headaches. You may know it under the U.S. brand name Tylenol.

• Can pregnant women take acetaminophen?

  Yes, acetaminophen can be taken during pregnancy. As with any OTC medication, you should talk with your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) before taking it for pain, fever, or headaches. Your ob-gyn can explain how much is safe to take for your symptoms.

  
  
• I’ve heard that acetaminophen might cause problems for a fetus. Is this true?

  There have been claims that acetaminophen might be linked to autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. This has not been proven by science. Many research studies show there is no evidence that acetaminophen causes either condition.

  
  
• How much research has been done on acetaminophen use in pregnancy?

  Researchers have studied the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy for more than 20 years. Their research shows that this medication continues to be safe for a woman and her fetus when used correctly. Always let your ob-gyn know if you want to use acetaminophen, especially if you want to take it for headaches. Headaches can sometimes be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can develop in pregnancy and needs immediate medical attention.

  
  
• Why should I treat fevers and pain during pregnancy?

  Fever during pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) and other birth defects. Untreated pain can increase stress hormones and affect the body in other ways, all of which can negatively affect a fetus. Ob-gyns recommend acetaminophen for fever and pain as a way to avoid the potential complications of no treatment. ACOG supports the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy when taken as needed, in moderation, and after talking with an ob-gyn.

  
  
• Where can I read more about the safety of acetaminophen during pregnancy?

  Many studies done on acetaminophen use in pregnancy have found no evidence that it causes autism or other neurological disorders. There are two high-quality studies that offer the most reassuring evidence that it is safe to use during pregnancy:

  • Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Offspring Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – a Longitudinal Sibling Control Study

  • Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability

  You can also learn more at the ACOG website for ob-gyns:

  • Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

  • Acetaminophen in Pregnancy

  • ACOG Affirms Safety and Benefits of Acetaminophen during Pregnancy

  
  
• Glossary

  Autism: A group of developmental disorders that range from mild to severe. These disorders can cause problems with communication, social skills, and behavior, as well as restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests.

  Birth defects: Physical problems that are present at birth.

  Complications: Diseases or conditions that happen as a result of another disease or condition. An example is pneumonia that develops with the flu. An example of a pregnancy complication is preterm labor.

  Fetus: The stage of human development beyond 8 completed weeks after fertilization. Hormones: Substances made in the body that control the function of cells or organs.

  Neural Tube Defects (NTDs): Birth defects that result from a problem in development of the brain, spinal cord, or their coverings.

  Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with medical and surgical training and education in the female reproductive system.

  Preeclampsia [pre-ee-KLAMP-see-uh]: A disorder during pregnancy or after childbirth that causes high blood pressure and other signs of organ injury. These signs include an abnormal amount of protein in the urine, a low number of platelets, abnormal kidney or liver function, pain over the upper abdomen, fluid in the lungs, a severe headache, or vision changes.