As you may have seen in the news, there is currently an ongoing debate regarding the safety of the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy, including any possible risks of autism, ADHD, and/or other neurodevelopmental disorders. 

This debate surrounding if Tylenol is safe during pregnancy was reignited with the recent FDA Notice to Physicians on the Use of Acetaminophen During Pregnancy.

Today, we’re looking at recent guidelines, consensus statements, policy statements, and position statements from organizations around the globe, regarding the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy. 

Guidelines and Statements on Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

  • Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
  • Published/Reaffirmed: September 22, 2025
  • Mentions of acetaminophen: 
    • “ACOG reaffirms that acetaminophen remains the analgesic and antipyretic of choice during pregnancy.”
    • “The current weight of evidence does not support a causal link between prenatal acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders.”
    • “Untreated maternal conditions for which acetaminophen is indicated—such as fever, migraines and other headaches, and pain—can lead to significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.”
  • Summary
  • Full Text

Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)

  • Use of Acetaminophen for Analgesia and Fever in Pregnancy
  • Published/Reaffirmed: September 12, 2025
  • Mentions of acetaminophen:
    • “In 2021, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) issued a position statement recommending the use of acetaminophen as a first-line therapeutic option for fever and pain in pregnancy when medically indicated at recommended doses for the shortest duration required.”
    • “The SOGC recommends the use of acetaminophen as a first-line therapeutic option for fever and pain in pregnancy when medically indicated at recommended doses for the shortest duration required.”
    • “The benefits of acetaminophen for fever or pain in pregnancy are well recognized, as is the lack of safer alternatives in pregnancy. Untreated fever has been associated with miscarriage, fetal organ malformations, fetal cardiovascular complications, and even Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
  • Summary
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American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

  • Tylenol is Safe and Effective for Pregnant Patients
  • Published: September 23, 2025
  • Mentions of acetaminophen: 
    • “Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the most effective and safe first-line treatment for fever and acute pain in pregnant women who present to the emergency department, both of which can be harmful if left untreated.”
    • “Emergency physicians must align around clear, evidence-based guidance for patients. The data from numerous studies have shown that acetaminophen is safe and effective.”
  • Full Text

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  • Medicine and Pregnancy: An Overview
  • Published/Updated: September 22, 2025
  • Mentions of acetaminophen:
    • "Some studies of acetaminophen during pregnancy have shown an association with neurological conditions such as autism and ADHD, particularly when taken chronically throughout pregnancy. Although a direct causal relationship between acetaminophen and autism or ADHD has not been established, pregnant women should consider avoiding acetaminophen use during pregnancy as a precaution."
  • Full Text

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM)

  • Response to Administration Announcement on Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Autism
  • Published: September 22, 2025
    Mentions of acetaminophen: 
    • “In response to today’s White House press conference announcement, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) reiterates its recommendation advising both physicians and patients that acetaminophen is an appropriate medication to treat pain and fever during pregnancy.”
    • “To be clear, SMFM stands behind our recommendation that acetaminophen use during pregnancy has not been shown to cause or increase the risk of autism or other neurobehavioral problems in children.”
  • Full Text

European Medicine Agency

  • Use of Paracetamol During Pregnancy Unchanged in the EU
  • Published: September 23, 2025
  • Mentions of acetaminophen: 
    • “In the EU, paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) can be used for reducing pain or fever during pregnancy if clinically needed. There is currently no new evidence that would require changes to the current EU recommendations for use.”
  • Full Text

Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG)

  • Advice For Pregnant Women and People on the Use of Paracetamol to Manage Fever and Pain
  • Published: September 23, 2025
  • Mentions of acetaminophen:
    • “Paracetamol [acetaminophen] remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed.”
    • “Paracetamol is recommended as the first-choice painkiller for pregnant women, used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration.”
  • Full Text

Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

  • MHRA Confirms Taking Paracetamol During Pregnancy Remains Safe and There Is No Evidence It Causes Autism in Children
  • Published: September 23, 2025
  • Mentions of acetaminophen:
    • “Paracetamol [acetaminophen] should be taken as directed in the patient information leaflet.”
    • "There is no evidence that taking paracetamol [acetaminophen] during pregnancy causes autism in children."
  • Full Text

Regardless of which side of the issue you stand on, it’s clear that the answer to the lingering question, "Is Tylenol safe during pregnancy?" is a very divisive answer. It doesn’t appear that this debate will resolve anytime soon.

We will continue to monitor any new, updated, or reaffirmed clinical practice guidelines covering the use of acetaminophen by pregnant women. Let us know if we missed any guidelines on the use of acetaminophen for pregnant women, or if you’d like to see additional publications (side-by-sides, trial spotlights, etc.) on the topic of Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy.

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