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ACETAMINOPHEN IS SAFE DURING PREGNANCY

At BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center, our work is rooted in evidence. We rely on peer-reviewed, scientific research, clinical expertise, and public health best practices to guide our positions and health education.


We believe it is essential to address recent public claims about a purported causal link between acetaminophen (commonly known by the brand name Tylenol) use during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder.

What the Evidence Actually Shows


  • No proven causal link

    • Observational studies have explored whether prenatal acetaminophen exposure is associated with neurodevelopmental differences, including autism and ADHD. To date, none of the major studies or reviews have established a definitive causal relationship

    • Earlier studies hinting at a possible correlation were dismissed after a major study following roughly 2.5 million children found no association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in sibling-control analyses.



  • Leading medical organizations support continued use when medically indicated


    • The Society for Maternal‐Fetal Medicine (SMFM) states that acetaminophen remains an appropriate and safe medication for treating fever and pain during pregnancy. They emphasize that, “…untreated fever and pain during pregnancy carry significant maternal and infant health risks”.

      • Read SMFM’s full statement here.


    • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) similarly holds that acetaminophen, when used prudently (i.e. lowest effective dose for the shortest time, under medical advice), continues to be one of the safer pain relievers and fever reducers for use during pregnancy.


      Steven J. Fleischman, MD, MBA, FACOG, president of ACOG in his September 22, 2025, statement emphasized that, “…two decades of research on the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy, not a single reputable study has successfully concluded that the use of acetaminophen in any trimester of pregnancy causes neurodevelopmental disorders in children.”

      • Read ACOG’s full statement here.

Our Position


Given the state of current and substantial evidence, BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center holds the following position:

  • We do not support claims that acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes autism

  • We believe it is irresponsible to present the association suggested by some studies as fact, given the absence of strong causal evidence

  • We support the recommendations from ACOG, SMFM, and other professional bodies: acetaminophen is generally safe when used as directed, under medical supervision, to manage fever or moderate pain during pregnancy

  • We emphasize that avoiding treatment for fever or pain may carry its own serious risks, both for the pregnant person and the developing fetus, including risk of complications, stress, fever-related damage, or worsening of underlying conditions


To align with science and protect health, BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center recommends:

  • Pregnant persons should consult their healthcare provider about any medication use, including analgesics

  • Use acetaminophen only when medically indicated (for instance, to reduce fever or moderate pain), at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest necessary duration, as directed by your healthcare provider

  • Do not change or stop prescribed medications without consulting an appropriately licensed medical professional

  • Avoid panic or fear based on unproven claims; instead lean on trusted medical advice, your provider, and scientific evidence



BWPC issues a position statement, because:


  • Trust & credibility: Our community looks to us for reliable, science-based guidance. Spreading unverified causal claims risks undermining that trust


  • Health outcomes: Misleading information can lead to fear, avoidance of needed treatment, or unintended harm


  • Care equity: Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities often bear disproportionate burdens of adverse health outcomes. Clear, accurate health messaging is especially important to ensure equity in maternal and child health


BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center remains committed to evidence-informed care, transparency, and integrity. Our goal is to ensure everyone has access to evidence-based information so individuals and families can make the best possible decisions for their health.


We encourage anyone with questions about taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reach out to their healthcare provider directly.


 
 

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