23 Sep Tylenol in Pregnancy: Statement from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Dean
Dr. Baccarelli
Statement from Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD
Dean of the Faculty
Professor of Environmental Health
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Colleagues and I recently conducted a rigorous review, funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), of the potential risks of acetaminophen use during pregnancy. We reviewed 46 previously published human studies worldwide.
We found evidence of an association between exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy and increased incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. This association is strongest when acetaminophen is taken for four weeks or longer.
As we noted in our review, animal studies have independently suggested that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen can adversely affect the developing brain. This biological evidence lends support to the possibility of a causal relationship between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. Further research is needed to confirm the association and determine causality, but based on existing evidence, I believe that caution about acetaminophen use during pregnancy—especially heavy or prolonged use—is warranted.
At the same time, as the only approved medication for pain and fever reduction during pregnancy, acetaminophen remains an important tool for pregnant patients and their physicians. High fever can pose risks to both the mother and the fetus, including neural tube defects and preterm birth.
After assessing the evidence, my colleagues and I recommended a balanced approach based on the precautionary principle: Patients who need fever or pain reduction during pregnancy should take the lowest effective dose of acetaminophen, for the shortest possible duration, after consultation with their physician about their individual risk-benefit calculation.
I discussed our scientific findings and this recommendation from our review article with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya in recent weeks and appreciate their interest in this study.
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Last Updated on September 23, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD