Our team speaks with expecting families every day who are interested in taking steps to support a healthy start for their baby. If you are a caregiver who is confused by conflicting reports about whether it is safe to recommend acetaminophen during pregnancy, you are not alone. Our experts recommend and encourage expecting parents to have these important conversations with trusted primary care and obstetric providers to determine how best to keep your baby healthy, safe and strong.

Is Acetaminophen safe for kids and expecting parents?

As advocates for kids, science and research, our experts do not believe there are significant associations between use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy and autism, ADHD or intellectual disability.

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in many fever and pain reducers, including the brand-name medicine, Tylenol. Pain and high fevers in pregnancy can increase risk of maternal and fetal complications and should be treated. The safest medication for most pregnant patients with pain or fever is acetaminophen.

You can also find generic versions of acetaminophen, which are commonly included in many pediatric prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. Doctors also regularly recommend acetaminophen for treating fever and mild or moderate pain in kids. This is common during typical childhood illnesses, including strep throat, influenza, hand-foot-and-mouth disease and more.  Fevers in young babies (under 12 weeks) should always be evaluated by a doctor. We encourage parents and caregivers to add infant acetaminophen to their baby first-aid kit because it is a safe and effective option for relieving pain and reducing fever.

The key to safe usage whether for a pregnant parent or a child is to follow the dosage guidelines closely. You can use acetaminophen for babies over 2 months old, but be sure to use the infant version when appropriate, based on age guidelines. Call your pediatrician or our ParentSmart Healthline if you have any questions about whether you should give your baby acetaminophen.

What do I need to know about autism?

There is no single cause of autism, which is also known as autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. Research shows that genetic factors play a strong role, and there are many different genes that can make it more likely for a person to have autism. There may also be differences in how certain genes react with the environment.

There are other possible contributing causes that have been associated with ASD, such as environmental exposures, infections and toxins. ASD is not a result of poor parenting, and it occurs equally in all racial, ethnic and social groups. What we know about autism is based in significant scientific research, and the criteria to make an autism diagnosis have become better defined through the years. Greater awareness about autism and more specific evaluation measures have led to an increase in the number of diagnoses made.

It is critical for parents and caregivers to seek help from experts who can guide families in making informed and evidence-based decisions about treatment. Reliable information is also available through organizations, including Autism Speaks.

Where can I learn more about the use of acetaminophen while pregnant? 

You can read more about safe use of medication in the treatment of autism in this Parents’ Medication Guide provided by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 

Read more about the clinical guidance and research provided from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.