ACOG disputes advice for pregnant women to forego Tylenol

Following President Trump’s news briefing in which he advised women to forego Tylenol during pregnancy to prevent autism in their babies, the American Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other experts reiterated their longstanding advice that pregnant women use Tylenol to reduce fever or pain. They said untreated fever during pregnancy could harm a mom and her baby, including causing neural tube defects, congenital heart defects and oral clefts. Untreated pain can lead to maternal depression, anxiety and high blood pressure. While some studies have found that children exposed to acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, during pregnancy were more likely to have autism, other studies found no association. Research showing an association between Tylenol and autism does not mean the medication caused autism. (KFF News article, 9/24/25)