This week, President Trump commented that Tylenol isn’t advisable for pregnant women unless they have a very high fever. He encouraged them to “tough it out” if they experience discomfort.
“Don’t take Tylenol, don’t take it. Fight like hell to not take it,” Trump stated. This came as the Food and Drug Administration began updating Tylenol’s label due to concerns linking prenatal exposure to increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD.
The president’s remarks quickly drew criticism from the medical community, leaving many expectant mothers uncertain about how to manage their symptoms.
Acetaminophen, known commonly as Tylenol, is often used to alleviate mild to moderate pain and reduce fevers, which can be quite common during pregnancy. Ignoring a fever can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby.
Historically, extensive research has established that Tylenol is safe for use during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reiterated this on Monday, calling Trump’s announcement unsettling and potentially harmful.
“Maternal fever and headache, which can occur early in pregnancy, are often treated with acetaminophen, making it crucial for those who require pain relief,” the ACOG noted.
“The risks posed by not addressing these conditions far outweigh any theoretical dangers of acetaminophen,” the statement continued.
It is advisable for pregnant women to speak with their doctor before using any medication. If you’re in pain, it might be worth exploring your options.
Acetaminophen
Dr. Kesia Gator, a double board-certified physician in OB/Gyn and maternal fetal medicine, mentioned that taking one or two standard strength tablets every 4-6 hours, or one or two extra strength tablets every 6 hours, is generally acceptable. However, she emphasized not to exceed 3,000 milligrams in a day and to avoid long-term use without medical guidance.
“This is well-studied and commonly regarded as safe,” said a healthcare expert, Gayher, from NYC Health + Hospitals, addressing acetaminophen usage in the Bronx. He added that, to his knowledge, there’s no substantial evidence suggesting an increased risk of birth defects or neurodevelopmental issues with recommended usage.
Interestingly, some studies have explored a potential connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and a heightened risk of autism and developmental disorders—which can affect learning and behavior. A recent analysis from Mount Sinai and Harvard didn’t find direct causation but noted that it could “increase the risk,” underlining the necessity for further investigations.
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are used for pain relief but are generally not recommended in pregnancy. Tylenol, on the other hand, has minimal anti-inflammatory properties.
Dr. Kate McLean, Chief Medical Officer at a precision health platform, stated that low-dose aspirin may be prescribed to lower the risk of pre-eclampsia, but this is quite distinct from using standard pain relief dosages.
Pre-eclampsia is a serious complication marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, which can indicate kidney damage. “Baby” aspirin can help prevent this condition by reducing inflammation and enhancing blood flow.
However, other NSAIDs are typically discouraged during pregnancy, especially since their use in early stages can heighten the risk of miscarriage and congenital anomalies. Moreover, NSAIDs are particularly inadvisable in the third trimester as they may lead to issues like early closure of the ductus arteriosus in the baby’s heart.
Opioids
Dr. Dawnette Lewis from Northwell Health noted that opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone may be prescribed during pregnancy for surgical procedures, but these come with significant risks, including dependency in babies and premature birth.
Safe usage depends heavily on individual circumstances and always requires careful medical consideration.
More options
Dr. McLean also advised exploring non-drug approaches such as heat packs, massages, or prenatal yoga as first-line treatments for pain. Additionally, some localized NSAIDs and lidocaine patches could provide relief.
