Doctors Reassure Pregnant Women: Tylenol Remains Safe! Doctors across the United States are already seeing a wave of concern from pregnant women after President Donald Trump warned against using Tylenol during pregnancy. At a recent White House press conference, Trump claimed the drug could be linked to autism, urging women to “fight like hell” not to take it.
It is pertinent to mention that Trump and Harris had clashed over health care visions during the 2024 election, spotlighting issues like drug prices and abortion rights.
He made this claim while standing with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other health officials. Trump also announced that his administration plans to add warning labels to medications containing acetaminophen, despite a lack of solid scientific evidence supporting the risk.
Confused & Frightened Mothers-to-Be
Just one day after the press conference, Dr. Rana Alissa, a pediatrician in Jacksonville, Florida, reported a surge in questions from anxious patients. She said pregnant women were asking, “What should I do? Do you think it’s safe? I just took Tylenol last month. Did I already hurt my baby?”
Dr. Alissa is also the president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She said concerns over Tylenol use spiked immediately after the press event.
In New York and New Jersey, Dr. Rachel Blake, an OB-GYN, reassured several pregnant patients that Tylenol remains safe. “There has been no new research that suggests there should be a change in that guideline,” she explained.
Guilt & Fear Among Expecting Mothers
Linking Tylenol use to autism is especially damaging, said Dr. Sindhu Srinivas, president of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. She explained that pregnant women already carry a heavy emotional load. Comments like Trump’s add guilt and confusion when women must take medication for necessary relief.
“Patients are definitely asking about it,” she noted. “If they took it already or used it earlier in pregnancy, they’re worried.”
Her organization joins dozens of other medical, research, and autism advocacy groups—including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Tylenol’s manufacturer, Kenvue—in condemning Trump’s statements.
Kenvue has said that sound, independent science does not support a link between Tylenol and autism. The drug is known as acetaminophen in the U.S. and paracetamol elsewhere.
U.S. Agencies Respond With Caution
On the same day as Trump’s remarks, the CDC updated its website and the FDA sent letters to healthcare providers. These communications acknowledged the concern but clearly stated that no causal link has been proven.
In response to growing confusion, global health authorities have acted swiftly. The European Union, UK health agencies, and the World Health Organization all confirmed that there is no conclusive evidence linking Tylenol to autism.
The Science Lacks Certainty
Dr. Srinivas explained that while some studies have shown a potential association, most have significant flaws. Many don’t account for the medical reasons a woman may need acetaminophen, such as fever. Notably, fever during pregnancy has a stronger link to developmental risks, including autism.
“What we know is that there is really no causal link between acetaminophen and autism,” she said.
Fever Carries Real Risks
Experts warn that fever itself is dangerous during pregnancy. Acetaminophen remains the only pain reliever considered safe for pregnant women. Doctors recommend using the lowest dose for the shortest possible time.
Dr. Caitlin Baptiste, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Columbia University in New York, emphasized the danger of untreated fever. “In the first trimester especially, it can cause congenital birth defects and raise the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders,” she said.
Dr. Baptiste supports more awareness of autism but warned against creating new fears without solid evidence. “We need to focus efforts on where the science is,” she said.
The Harm of Misinformation
For many families, autism is already a difficult and emotional journey. Erin Erenberg, CEO and co-founder of Chamber of Mothers, called the president’s comments harmful. Her group has more than 100,000 members across the U.S.
Erenberg, who has a medically complex child, said undermining trust in science leaves women vulnerable to misinformation. She described raising such a child as “exhausting, terrifying, and alienating.”
She urged leaders to avoid pushing fear and to protect the integrity of evidence-based health guidance.
Final Thoughts
Despite President Trump’s public warnings, medical experts worldwide agree: there is no proven connection between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. Doctors continue to advise pregnant women that acetaminophen remains safe when used properly.
Expecting mothers should talk to their healthcare providers and follow professional medical advice—not fear-driven headlines.
