Yes, you can — new research shows the popular over-the-counter pain reliever is safe

Can you take Tylenol® while pregnant?

There’s been some confusion around the safety of using acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol or paracetamol) during pregnancy, with many people afraid to use Tylenol while pregnant in their first trimester.

While older studies suggested that taking the drug too often during pregnancy could increase your future child’s risks for developing autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a recent 2024 study found that taking acetaminophen while pregnant doesn’t increase your child’s risk of these neurodevelopmental disorders.

Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD, discusses what you need to know about using acetaminophen during your pregnancy.

Is Tylenol safe during pregnancy?

Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter medication commonly used for pain relief and fevers.

So, can you take acetaminophen while pregnant?

Yes, it is safe to use during your pregnancy. The 2024 study looked at thousands of siblings and compared pregnancies where mothers took acetaminophen during one but not the other. Researchers determined there was no link between acetaminophen and an increased risk for ADHD or autism.

How much acetaminophen is safe while pregnant?

You don’t want to go above the recommended max dosage for adults, which is 3,000 milligrams per day.

“We try to minimize taking any medication in pregnancy, but if a woman has a chronic condition affecting her daily life and needs acetaminophen, she should take it after discussing it with her healthcare provider,” says Dr. Zanotti.

Is there a risk of my child having autism if I take Tylenol when pregnant?

Let’s take a quick look back at the recent history of Tylenol and autism.

A 2018 meta-analysis of seven studies involving 132,738 pairs of mothers and children showed a 20% higher risk of autism and a 30% higher risk of ADHD for children who had prolonged exposure to acetaminophen during fetal development.

But the 2024 research found that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy didn’t increase risks. Results show that there was a “noncausal association” (no direct cause and effect) between neurodevelopmental disorders and acetaminophen.

“Acetaminophen is still the safest known drug to take during pregnancy for problems like fever and pain,” states Dr. Zanotti. “When you’re pregnant, it’s riskier to have an untreated fever than it is to take acetaminophen.”

What other pain relievers can you take while pregnant?

It can be hard to keep track of what medications are safe to use during a pregnancy.

When it comes to pain relievers, Dr. Zanotti says it’s best to stick with acetaminophen, as other pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®) aren’t recommended during pregnancy as they may affect fetal development.

Bottom line?

“Can I take Tylenol while pregnant?” It’s a question that doctors often are asked by their patients — and for some time, it’s been a confusing question to answer.

But if you’re pregnant and looking for some pain relief, Dr. Zanotti says acetaminophen is a safe choice and that you shouldn’t feel guilty or feel like you’re putting your child at risk.

“Women want to do everything they can to ensure a healthy baby and often suffer with significant pain, such as headaches or joint aches,” says Dr. Zanotti. “It’s OK for them to know they can take acetaminophen to help with these symptoms that are affecting their quality of life.”

If you’re unsure what medications are best for you during your pregnancy, don’t hesitate to talk to your Ob/Gyn.

“Should you need pain relief while pregnant, discuss your options with your physician,” says Dr. Zanotti. “For some conditions, limited amounts of acetaminophen might be your safest bet.”