👉 Bottom line: Acetaminophen is safe when used as needed and remains the first-line choice for pain and fever in pregnancy.

5️⃣ Other data doesn’t support this argument. US Tylenol use over time has been very stable over the past decade (Mansour 2024). And the claim that there is a new epidemic of autism isn’t right either—broader diagnostic criteria, improved screening explain much of the increase—not new exposures.

4️⃣ Studying medicines in pregnancy is tricky. Many studies can’t fully separate effects of Tylenol from the illness it’s used for, often missing dose, timing, or over-the-counter use (Wood. 2020). That’s why some papers suggest a link—but after careful review—experts agree evidence is not conclusive.

3️⃣ Large studies show no link. A Swedish study of 2.5 million children found no association between acetaminophen in pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability once family and health factors were considered (Ahlqvist et al. JAMA 2024).

2️⃣ Untreated illness is risky. Fever in pregnancy can raise risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, and birth defects. Pain itself can worsen blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. Treating these is important for both mother and baby.

1️⃣ Professional guidelines are clear. SMFM, ACOG, and RCOG all continue to recommend acetaminophen as the first option for pain and fever during pregnancy.

Thanks so much for your reporting on this, Ben. I just got an email from my campus's IT office triumphantly advertising free student access to four different AI models -- at the same time as we have a hiring freeze, caps on grad enrollment, and a 7% budget cut -- and wanted to scream.