Tylenol in Pregnancy: Separating Fact From Fiction After Trump’s Warning

Trump’s Unproven Warning on Tylenol

President Donald Trump has urged pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol (paracetamol), citing an alleged link to autism and ADHD in children. His comments came during a White House press conference alongside public health officials, where he emphatically said, “Don’t take Tylenol. Don’t take it. Fight like hell not to take it.”

Trump’s warning has ignited immediate criticism from the medical community, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), both of which have long recommended paracetamol as a safe option for pregnant women experiencing pain or fever.

The Science Behind Tylenol and Autism

While some studies have explored a potential association between prenatal paracetamol use and neurodevelopmental conditions, experts stress that causation has not been proven.

For instance, a large population-based study from Sweden, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, found no evidence linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism when comparing exposed children to their unexposed siblings.

Arthur Caplan, a bioethicist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, criticized Trump’s statements as “hugely negative” for public health, emphasizing the potential dangers of spreading misinformation about common medications.

Expert Opinions: Safety and Risks

ACOG President Steven J. Fleischman called the suggested link between paracetamol and autism “irresponsible” and underscored that acetaminophen plays an important role in the health of pregnant women.

Catherine Lord, a psychiatry professor at UCLA who specializes in autism, added that studies claiming a connection are limited and often confounded by other factors. She advises pregnant women to always consult their doctors before taking any medication, balancing risks of pain or fever against the benefits of paracetamol.

Trump’s Comments on Vaccines

In addition to his Tylenol remarks, Trump questioned the safety of the combined MMR vaccine, suggesting that measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines should be administered separately. This position contradicts the overwhelming scientific consensus supporting the efficacy and safety of the combined MMR shot.

Medical experts warn that such claims can contribute to vaccine hesitancy, which has real-world consequences for public health.

FDA Statement on Paracetamol

The US Food and Drug Administration recently updated guidance noting a correlation between chronic prenatal paracetamol use and potential neurodevelopmental risks. However, the agency explicitly stated that a causal relationship remains unproven and highlighted contrary studies.

The FDA also emphasized that acetaminophen remains the only over-the-counter drug approved for treating fevers during pregnancy — important because high fevers can pose significant risks to the developing fetus.

Balancing Pain Relief and Safety

Medical professionals stress that untreated pain or fever during pregnancy can also be harmful. Paracetamol, when used correctly, is considered a safe and effective option to protect both mother and child.

Caution and consultation with healthcare providers remain essential, but the consensus is clear: Trump’s stark warning does not align with current scientific evidence.

Public Reaction and Implications

Trump’s statements have sparked debate on social media, with some parents expressing fear and confusion, while medical experts urge reliance on peer-reviewed research rather than political commentary.

As Caplan notes, “Patients cannot blindly trust federal science when political statements override medical consensus. It is vital to consult reputable sources.”