Communicating About Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Safe Use During Pregnancy

Recent reports about an association between acetaminophen, commonly used in pain and fever medications like Tylenol, and autism are creating confusion about the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. Research shows that taking acetaminophen as directed by a healthcare provider during pregnancy does not cause or increase the chances of a child developing autism.

Use these talking points and communication strategies to help your community understand:

The safety and effectiveness of acetaminophen use during pregnancy.
The difference between association and causation.
The importance of trusting healthcare provider guidance during pregnancy.

Talking Points
Strategies for Communicating with Pregnant People
Communication Considerations
Additional Resources

Talking Points

Understanding Acetaminophen and Safe Use During Pregnancy

Acetaminophen is the main active ingredient in many over-the-counter pain and fever relief medications, such as Tylenol.
Healthcare providers commonly recommend acetaminophen as the safest pain reliever and fever medication to take during pregnancy.
People who are pregnant should take acetaminophen in consultation with their healthcare provider.
An untreated fever in pregnancy can cause significant harm to the pregnant person and the baby when acetaminophen is not taken as advised by a healthcare provider.

Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Does NOT Cause Autism

As of September 2025, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) continue to recommend acetaminophen as the preferred option when pain or fever medication is needed during pregnancy.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is caused by differences in the brain and may impact communication and relationships. There is no single known cause of autism. However, scientists believe genetics, as well as biological and environmental factors, are contributors.
Research, such as the largest NIH-funded study on acetaminophen use during pregnancy, shows no link between acetaminophen and increased risk of autism or other intellectual disabilities.

Understanding Associations and Why People Believe Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Causes Autism

Recent studies have reported associations between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and the onset of autism in children. Still, two things happening together does not mean one causes the other.
Associations between acetaminophen and autism are based on conflicting scientific studies that often cannot separate medication use from other factors (e.g., underlying illness, genetics, or environmental factors).

Strategies for Communicating with Pregnant People Before and During Pregnancy

Empathy and Listening: Begin conversations by listening to understand, not only to respond. Empathetic communications show an awareness and consideration of your audience’s emotions, beliefs, and fears. Parents are right to ask questions about safety in pregnancy.

Address Myths Without Repeating Them: Provide guidance and clarify the difference between association and causation.
- For example, “the strongest scientific research shows that acetaminophen does not cause autism.”
Amplify the Experts: Emphasize what trusted organizations have shared about the safety of different medications throughout pregnancy.
- For example, “ACOG and similar organizations continue to recommend acetaminophen as the safest option in pregnancy. Other pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, are not recommended during pregnancy due to safety concerns.”
Offer Additional Resources: Advise individuals and families based on your community’s health trends and concerns, and larger trending narratives in public health.

Communication Considerations

Here are some questions to consider when debunking misinformation about acetaminophen and autism.

Who is your audience?

The more specific you can get about your audience, the more effective you can be in providing useful, relevant information.

Who is at risk and who needs to be reached? Consider trends in maternal health, prenatal/postpartum care, and access to information in your community.
What does your audience already know about this topic? For example, when communicating about what acetaminophen is, your community may need to see brand names like “Tylenol” or “Health AtoZ” in your messaging to make the connection.
Where is your audience getting their information outside of healthcare offices? Are there opportunities to reach them in the family planning stages of pregnancy? Can you reach future parents through community partners/organizations?

What do you want your audience to do with this information?

Examples:

I want pregnant people to understand the safety of acetaminophen and the risk of untreated fevers during pregnancy.
I want community members to share this message with friends and family.
I want trusted messengers (e.g., family doctors, OB/GYNs, nonprofits, community leaders) to help amplify this information.