Results of this study indicate that the association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders is a noncausal association. Birthing parents with higher acetaminophen use differed in many aspects from those with lower use or no use. Results suggested that there was not one single “smoking gun” confounder, but rather that multiple birthing parents’ health and sociodemographic characteristics each explained at least part of the apparent association. The null results of the sibling control analyses indicate that shared familial confounders were involved, but do not identify the specific confounding factors.
Critical factors
Another factor to consider is that untreated fevers, and/or prolonged fevers during pregnancy—reasons to take Tylenol in the first place—are linked to increased risks of autism. And, as the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine pointed out earlier this month, untreated fever and pain during pregnancy carry other significant risks for both the mother and the pregnancy.
“Untreated fever, particularly in the first trimester, increases the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and premature birth, and untreated pain can lead to maternal depression, anxiety, and high blood pressure,” SMFM noted.
With no clear evidence supporting a link between acetaminophen and autism, doctors highlight another fold in the issue: Acetaminophen is considered the safest pain reliever/fever-reducer during pregnancy. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (also called NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin, can cause reduced blood flow, heart problems, and kidney problems in a fetus.
After The Wall Street Journal’s report of Kennedy’s plans, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reiterated its guidance for acetaminophen during pregnancy, writing on social media:
Acetaminophen remains a safe, trusted option for pain relief during pregnancy. Despite recent unfounded claims, there’s no clear evidence linking prudent use to issues with fetal development. ACOG’s guidance remains the same. When pain relief is needed during pregnancy, acetaminophen should be used in moderation, and after consulting your doctor.
Christopher Zahn, ACOG’s chief of clinical practice, put it more plainly, saying: “Pregnant patients should not be frightened away from the many benefits of acetaminophen, which is safe and one of the few options pregnant people have for pain relief.”
This post has been updated to correct the number of studies in the BMC Environmental Health review.
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