Home / Health / Experts Confirm No Link Between Tylenol Use in Pregnancy and Autism, ADHD
Experts Confirm No Link Between Tylenol Use in Pregnancy and Autism, ADHD
11 Nov
Summary
- New review finds no convincing evidence linking Tylenol to autism, ADHD
- Researchers say genetics, other factors, not Tylenol, likely cause of rising rates
- Experts advise pregnant women to take Tylenol when needed for pain or fever
According to a comprehensive review published on November 11, 2025, there is no convincing evidence that taking the common painkiller Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of children developing autism or ADHD. The review, which analyzed 40 previous observational studies, found that any supposed link between Tylenol and these conditions is likely explained by genetics and other environmental factors, not the medication itself.
Experts stress that Tylenol remains the safest option for pregnant women needing pain relief or to manage fever, which can be dangerous for the unborn baby. Professor Shakila Thangaratinam, the study's lead author, reassures expectant mothers that "the existing evidence does not really support a link between [Tylenol] and autism and ADHD." She advises women to take the medication when necessary, as the benefits outweigh the unproven risks.
The review comes after the Trump administration in 2025 urged pregnant women to limit their Tylenol use, claiming it was contributing to rising autism rates. However, researchers say the surge in diagnoses is more likely due to improved screening and reduced stigma, not the common painkiller. They maintain that Tylenol remains the best choice for managing pain and fever during pregnancy, provided it is taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
