Autism is a heritable neurotype that results in a spectrum of differences in how one interprets and interacts with the world. Tylenol is a medication for pain and fever.
There’s no strong evidence of any causal connection between the two, but some commentary from political figures last year has resulted in increased fear and concern, while misinformation and disinformation about the causes and effects of autism have continued to spread.
Meanwhile, doctors continue to assure patients that taking Tylenol (a brand name for acetaminophen) during pregnancy is safe, and in fact, there are risks from foregoing the medication when it’s needed.
The Fear Of Tylenol
Most people do not spend hours combing through scientific studies, parsing the difference between incidental and causal links, or calculating whether results are statistically significant. Those tasks typically fall to a smaller group of trained experts who have the background to interpret complex data and draw informed conclusions.
As a result, we rely on that expertise and assume that our doctors, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and other regulatory bodies are acting in our best interests. That trust extends to the products we use every day, from medications and cleaners to toothpastes and dietary supplements, with the expectation that they are both safe and effective.
When someone in a powerful position, like the presidency, or at the head of one of those agencies, like the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), tells us otherwise, it’s no surprise that many folks will question and doubt a product.
According to Babycenter, this is exactly what has happened since the U.S. President and his appointee to head the DHHS, Robert F. Kennedy, spoke out against Tylenol last year.
Their recent survey finds that about a fifth of moms are too worried about the safety of acetaminophen to ever take it during pregnancy, and only about the same amount feel entirely safe to use the medication, with the other 3/5 falling somewhere in the middle. One in four say they are more concerned about using acetaminophen than they were 6 months ago.
What Has Been Said About Tylenol, & Why?
In September, the White House released a statement alleging that Tylenol use (referred to in a quote by the press secretary as “popping more pills”) has been credibly linked to autism.
Health Secretary Kennedy made similar statements, later walking them back and admitting that there isn’t sufficient evidence to claim that acetaminophen causes autism, Reuters reported in October.
At that time, he said that women should consult their doctors before taking Tylenol during pregnancy, to which Kenvue, which owns the Tylenol trademark, responded by noting that this is what its label also says.
Meanwhile, obstetricians have pushed back, reassuring patients that acetaminophen is the safest choice for most patients during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that claims of a link between Tylenol and autism are “not only highly concerning to clinicians but also irresponsible,” and that, while a few studies have shown a link, the data isn’t really there.
“The studies that are frequently pointed to as evidence of a causal relationship, including the latest systematic review released in August, include the same methodological limitations—for example, lack of a control for confounding factors or use of unreliable self-reported data—that are prevalent in the majority of studies on this topic.
Fear Of Tylenol May Be The Real Risk
It’s always wise to consider the risks and benefits of any medication, especially during pregnancy. Currently, all solid evidence suggests that the risks of appropriate acetaminophen use for most patients are minimal, and the benefits outweigh them.
However, there are some risks to not taking pain and fever meds when needed. During pregnancy, failing to treat fever and pain, choosing to try to ‘tough it out,’ can be harmful. ACOG explains:
“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.”
There’s also the risk that patients who are afraid to use Tylenol, which is currently considered to be the safest choice during pregnancy, might instead attempt to treat pain with a medication that does carry higher risks. Ibuprofen, for example, can cause certain fetal complications and has some association with a higher risk of miscarriage.
What Is The Right Answer For Pain & Fever During Pregnancy?
At your first prenatal appointment, your doctor may give you a document listing medicines that are deemed safe during pregnancy, along with other information.
If you don’t receive such a document, or aren’t sure your information packets include medication recommendations, ask! Your doctor will not be annoyed at the question and will appreciate that you want to make the safest choices.
If you’re concerned about Tylenol specifically, ask. Your doctor may already have information packets prepared for this purpose and will always be happy to answer questions.
For most people, the answer will likely be that acetaminophen is the best choice for pain during pregnancy, and that it’s best to take the lowest dose that works, and only when needed. For those individuals who should not take Tylenol due to other conditions, your doctor is the best person to advise you on other options.
