Overview
- The analysis prioritized rigorous designs, including large cohort and sibling-comparison studies, pooling data across hundreds of thousands of pregnancies and also assessing intellectual disability outcomes.
- Authors conclude previously reported links likely reflect confounding from genetics, maternal fever, or underlying pain rather than effects of the medication itself.
- The review was undertaken after President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advised pregnant women to avoid Tylenol in September, which the authors said created confusion.
- An HHS spokesperson said the paper does not resolve the question and alleged selective exclusion of evidence, while outside experts praised the review’s methodology and scope.
- Medical organizations continue to recommend acetaminophen as the first-line option when needed in pregnancy, noting that leaving fever or severe pain untreated carries known risks for mother and fetus.