"Instead, it involves multiple factors including genetics and environmental exposures, says American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists representative Veronica Gillispie-Bell. Studies that the Department of Health and Human Services referenced as "evidence" for limiting prenatal use of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, because of autism risk are not conclusive. For example, HHS has pointed to a recent review article that suggests a link between taking acetaminophen during pregnancy and disorders including autism."
"There's concern that the latter drugs, known as NSAIDs, could cause fetal issues related to low amniotic fluid. ACOG has long supported the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy as needed, in moderation, after consultation with a doctor. Choosing to forgo acetaminophen when a mom has a fever or pain isn't a no-lose proposition. Even HHS says that "maternal fever itself carries risks, including neural tube defects and preterm birth," and acetaminophen is "the only over-the-counter medication considered safe for treating fever during pregnancy.""
Autism arises from multiple factors, including genetics and environmental exposures. Studies cited as evidence linking prenatal acetaminophen use to autism are not conclusive and are largely observational, showing association but not causation. A large 2024 Swedish cohort that followed over two million children found no connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. Acetaminophen is widely used by obstetricians to manage fever and pain in pregnancy and is preferred over NSAIDs because NSAIDs may risk low amniotic fluid. ACOG supports prudent, moderate acetaminophen use after medical consultation. Maternal fever itself carries risks, and acetaminophen is the only OTC medication considered safe for treating fever during pregnancy.
Read at Axios
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