Chasing Life What the Science Says About Tylenol and Autism
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Sep 30, 2025 The discussion dives into the controversial link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, sparked by recent statements from President Trump. Dr. Sanjay Gupta highlights that while acetaminophen is the FDA's recommended pain reliever for expectant mothers, no proven causal link to autism exists. He explains the limitations of early studies and shares findings from cord blood research and population studies that point to no increased risk. Additionally, Gupta emphasizes the risks of untreated fevers during pregnancy and offers practical tips for prevention.
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Acetaminophen Remains The Safer Option
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the recommended pain/fever option in pregnancy because NSAIDs carry known fetal risks.
- The FDA said to minimize use but found no evidence of a causal link between acetaminophen and autism.
Association ≠ Causation
- Association studies linking prenatal acetaminophen to autism exist but do not prove causation and are prone to recall bias.
- Large sibling-controlled studies, like the Swedish cohort, found no increased autism risk with prenatal acetaminophen.
Limit Duration And Dose
- Use the lowest effective acetaminophen dose for the shortest time during pregnancy and be thoughtful before taking any medication.
- Ask why you're taking Tylenol and address underlying causes like infection rather than using it long-term.