New Study: Tylenol Use During Pregnancy Does Not Increase Autism Risk

• A major new scientific review, published in The Lancet, found no credible evidence linking acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability.
• The review analyzed data from over 40 studies, covering millions of pregnancies, and focused on those that adjusted for confounding factors like infections, fever, and genetic risk.
• Crucially, the review gave greater weight to sibling comparison studies, which helped isolate the drug's effects from shared genetics and family environment.
• Earlier studies showing associations often failed to account for underlying conditions (infections, fever) for which acetaminophen was taken, which themselves are linked to neurodevelopmental risks.
• Medical organizations emphasize that acetaminophen, used sparingly and at recommended doses, remains the safest option for pain and fever during pregnancy, as untreated fevers pose risks.

Why It Matters: New research offers reassurance: Tylenol use during pregnancy does not increase autism risk.