The Use of Acetaminophen During Pregnancy

Recent news has generated questions about the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. As the provider you trust with your pregnancy care, we want you to have the information you need to ensure a healthy, successful pregnancy.

Duke doctors agree with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine, which support the use of acetaminophen (the main ingredient in Tylenol) in pregnancy when needed for mild pain or fever.

Numerous studies have shown that acetaminophen plays an important—and safe—role in the well-being of pregnant people, when needed. Its use during pregnancy has been studied for more than 20 years, and no study has shown definitive evidence that its use in any trimester of pregnancy causes neurodevelopmental disorders in children, including autism.

Just last year, a study published in the leading medical journal, JAMA, did not find any significant associations between use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and children’s risk of autism or intellectual disability.

We continue to recommend treating pain and/or fever in pregnancy. Untreated pain and fever may cause complications for the birthing parent, and birth defects for the fetus. Fever is also associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in the fetus, although it is not known if treatment can decrease this risk. Acetaminophen has been established as a safe pain reliever and fever reducer for use during pregnancy and is one of the few options available to pregnant patients.

Please contact your provider if you experience fever or significant pain at any point during your pregnancy. Our teams are committed to providing you high-quality care in support of a healthy, successful pregnancy.