Tylenol, pregnancy, and autism: Everything you need to know

Are you concerned about taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy? Rest assured: public health authorities continue to recommend acetaminophen as the preferred option for pain and fever relief in pregnant women. This over-the-counter analgesic medication remains the leading recommendation of healthcare professionals for pregnant patients, when used as directed.

What's more, there is no evidence that acetaminophen causes autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Here’s everything you need to know about taking acetaminophen during pregnancy.

Tylenol, pregnancy, and autism: Everything you need to know

Is it okay to take acetaminophen while pregnant?

The short answer is yes, absolutely!

Acetaminophen generally remains a safe option for pain/fever relief in pregnant women, if used in the appropriate dosage and according to your doctor’s recommendations. However, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil, are not always recommended during pregnancy, and should only be used on medical advice.

Fast-acting and effective, acetaminophen is an analgesic drug that comes in a variety of forms, including liquid, tablets, capsules, and suppositories. It usually takes less than an hour to effectively relieve many types of mild to moderate pain:

The importance of relieving pain and fever during pregnancy

Untreated fever or persistent pain in pregnant women can present significant risks to the health and development of the fetus. These include congenital malformations, increased risk of miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation, and even fetal cardiovascular complications. Proper treatment of fever and pain with an analgesic such as acetaminophen helps reduce these health risks for both mother and baby.

What is the correct dosage?

Always follow the dosage instructions on the package. During pregnancy, it is recommended to use the lowest effective dose of acetaminophen for the shortest possible duration. Medical supervision is recommended if you find yourself using it regularly.

Never exceed the maximum recommended dose, and always check your other over-the-counter medications for acetaminophen to avoid accidental overdose.

For more information, see our 6 tips to make the best use of your medication.

What are the side effects of acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen has very few side effects when taken in the recommended doses. However, certain reactions are possible.

  • Slight nausea, stomach ache, or tiredness can occur. These symptoms usually disappear on their own fairly quickly.
  • Itching may occur, in rare cases. If this happens, stop taking the medication and consult your health care professional.
  • In very rare cases, allergic reactions may also occur in the form of swelling of the face, lips, or throat, breathing difficulties, or a skin rash. These reactions require immediate medical attention.
  • Liver damage is possible in the event of overdose. Studies show, however, that the risk is virtually nonexistent if the drug is taken as recommended.

Recent research is clear: acetaminophen is the preferred option for pain and fever relief during pregnancy.

Are they any risks associated with taking Tylenol while breastfeeding?

Acetaminophen is transferred into breast milk in very small quantities. These quantities are well below the therapeutic doses usually prescribed for infants. This is why acetaminophen is considered safe when breastfeeding.

Just like during pregnancy, however, it’s important to respect the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen. In addition, it’s advised to take the smallest effective dose to relieve your symptoms, for the shortest possible duration.

Researchers have shown no adverse effects in breastfed children whose mothers take acetaminophen. So whether it’s used to relieve a fever, a headache, or muscle pain, Tylenol remains the leading choice for breastfeeding women.

Best practices when breastfeeding

  • Always check your other over-the-counter medications for acetaminophen to avoid overdosing.
  • Respect the minimum interval between doses.
  • Consult a health care professional if your fever lasts for more than 3 days.

Tylenol and autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Is there a link?

In recent years, there have been reports of a possible link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and the development of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism in children. However, researchers have established no causal link between the two.

A recent study published in 2024 in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) analyzed data from over 185,000 children who were exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy. In comparisons between sibling pairs, the authors observed no significant association between prenatal exposure and risk of autism, ADHD, or any form of intellectual disability.

Health Canada experts have also stated that “there is no conclusive evidence that using acetaminophen as directed during pregnancy causes autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders,” pointing out that acetaminophen has been used by millions of people in Canada for decades, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Rather, autism is believed to be caused by a combination of complex factors. The causes of autism are not yet fully understood. Experts agree, however, that it is a multifactorial disorder, influenced by both genetics and certain environmental factors.

Can pregnant women take Advil?

Ibuprofen (Advil) is another medication commonly used to relieve pain and fever. Unlike Tylenol, however, Advil may present certain risks if used during pregnancy.

Important

Always consult your physician before taking Ibuprofen during pregnancy, regardless of the trimester.

First trimester of pregnancy

Some studies have suggested a slightly increased risk of miscarriage or congenital malformations when Advil is used repeatedly in the first trimester. That’s why doctors recommend taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) rather than ibuprofen (Advil) right from the start of pregnancy.

Second trimester of pregnancy

The adverse effects of ibuprofen become more of a concern as pregnancy progresses, as this non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug can affect fetal kidney development and reduce the amount of amniotic fluid.

Third trimester of pregnancy

This is the period for which the risks of ibuprofen are best documented. This drug can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (a vessel essential for fetal blood flow), lead to neonatal renal failure, reduce amniotic fluid, and complicate labour during delivery. These complications can have serious consequences for the baby’s development and health.

Your Brunet pharmacist: Helping you have a healthy pregnancy

From checking your prescriptions and adjusting your treatments to helping you plan your pregnancy and giving you personalized advice, your Brunet pharmacist is there to offer you safe, all-encompassing support before, during, and after pregnancy. They can answer any questions you may have, provide reassurance, and ensure you have the knowledge you need to make the right choices for the health and well-being of you and your baby.

Our pharmacists are here to support you through a healthy pregnancy and give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Consult your pharmacist

Last updated on October 20, 2025

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