If you’re pregnant and dealing with a headache or fever, you’ve likely been told that Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the safest pain reliever to use. But you may have also heard conflicting reports suggesting a possible link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD. So, what’s the real story?
Here's a breakdown of the current science, expert consensus, and what it means for you.
The Rising Prevalence of Autism
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased significantly over the last two decades. For example:
• In 2000, the rate was 1 in 150 children.
• By 2022, that number had risen to 1 in 31 children.
Most experts agree that this dramatic increase is not due to a genuine "autism epidemic" but is primarily a result of improved detection and diagnosis. Factors contributing to this rise include a broader definition of autism, increased public and professional awareness, and more effective screening tools.
The Tylenol Connection: What Do the Studies Say?
For years, some observational studies found a small association between Tylenol use during pregnancy and a slightly higher risk of a child being diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder. For example, some studies showed a 5-7% higher risk for autism and ADHD.
However, a major recent study published in the journal JAMA used a different, more powerful method. It looked at nearly 2.5 million children in Sweden and specifically compared siblings—some of whom were exposed to Tylenol in the womb, and others who were not.
The result? The study found no evidence of an increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability when comparing siblings.
This key finding suggests that the associations seen in earlier studies were likely due to confounding factors. This means the issue wasn't the Tylenol itself, but something else, such as:
• The underlying illness: The fever or pain that caused a person to take Tylenol could be the true source of the risk.
• Genetics or family traits: Certain genetic or family-related factors might increase both the likelihood of a parent using Tylenol and a child developing a neurodevelopmental disorder.
The Consensus: What Do Doctors and Agencies Advise?
The new evidence has solidified the advice from major medical organizations.
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the leading professional organization for OB-GYNs, continues to reaffirm that Tylenol is the preferred pain reliever during pregnancy. They have stated that the existing data does not support a causal link and does not warrant a change in clinical practice.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a cautious, precautionary stance. In September 2025, the FDA announced it would update Tylenol's labeling to reflect that some evidence suggests a potential association. However, this is not a finding of a causal link.
The Bottom Line for You
While research is ongoing, the most robust studies to date do not support a causal link between Tylenol and these neurodevelopmental disorders. The consensus among medical experts remains that for managing pain or fever, Tylenol is still considered the safest choice during pregnancy.
As with any medication, it's always best to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time. If you have any concerns about using Tylenol or any other medication during pregnancy, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
Reference
1. Ahlqvist VH, Sjöqvist H, Dalman C, et al. Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children's Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability. JAMA. 2024;331(14):1205-1214. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.3172
2. Brynge M, Sjöqvist H, Gardner RM, Lee BK, Dalman C, Karlsson H. Maternal infection during pregnancy and likelihood of autism and intellectual disability in children in Sweden: a negative control and sibling comparison cohort study. Lancet Psychiatry. 2022;9(10):782-791. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(22)00264-4
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: ACOG Practice Advisory. September 2025. Accessed September 25, 2025. www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2025/09/acetaminophen-use-in-pregnancy-and-neurodevelopmental-outcomes
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Responds to Evidence of Possible Association Between Autism and Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy. Press Release. September 22, 2025. Accessed September 25, 2025. www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-responds-evidence-possible-association-between-autism-and-acetaminophen-use-during-pregnancy
