Overview
- A systematic review of 43 studies, including a meta-analysis of 17, found no increased risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disability in children after prenatal acetaminophen exposure.
- The analysis prioritized rigorous designs such as sibling-comparison studies and low-bias cohorts with longer follow-up, covering hundreds of thousands of pregnancies.
- Authors conclude earlier reported links likely reflect genetics, maternal illness or fever, and recall bias rather than a causal effect of the medication.
- Clinicians and study authors say acetaminophen remains the recommended first-line option for pain or fever during pregnancy when used as directed, with warnings that avoiding treatment could harm mother and fetus.
- The findings directly contradict statements last September by President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who urged pregnant people to avoid Tylenol.