The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Tylenol could be risky for pregnant women – a new review of 25 years of research finds acetaminophen may contribute to ADHD and other developmental disorders in children

  • Written by Ann Z. Bauer, Postdoctoral Fellow in Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Tylenol could be risky for pregnant women – a new review of 25 years of research finds acetaminophen may contribute to ADHD and other developmental disorders in children

The Research Brief[1] is a short take about interesting academic work.

The big idea

A mounting body of evidence shows that the use of acetaminophen - widely known by its brand name Tylenol - during pregnancy may pose risks to the fetus and to early childhood development. That was the conclusion of a new review study[2] on which I was a lead author.

Acetaminophen, which has the chemical name paracetamol, is a go-to over-the-counter medication that is widely recommended by doctors to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Our study, based on an assessment of 25 years of research in the areas of human epidemiology, animal and in-vitro studies, concludes that prenatal acetaminophen exposure may increase the risks of reproductive organs developing improperly. We identified a heightened risk of neurodevelopmental disorders[3], primarily attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and related behaviors, but also autism spectrum disorder, as well as language delays and decreased IQ.

In our consensus statement – a broad agreement by our multidisciplinary international panel of experts – published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology in September 2021, 91 clinicians and researchers are calling for caution and additional research.

Why it matters

Acetaminophen is an active ingredient in over 600 prescription and over-the-counter medications[4]. It is used by more than 50% of pregnant women[5] worldwide and at least 65% of pregnant women[6] in the U.S. Research suggests that acetaminophen is an endocrine disruptor and may interfere with the hormones essential for healthy neurological and reproductive development[7].

Current guidance recommends[8] acetaminophen as the pain reliever of choice during pregnancy, as other pain relievers[9] such as ibuprofen and aspirin are not considered safe[10] after midpregnancy[11].

Rates of reproductive disorders[12] and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD[13] and autism spectrum disorder[14], have been increasing[15] over the last 40 years.

Over the same time period, the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy has gone up[16]. We conclude that because acetaminophen is so commonly taken during pregnancy[17], if its use is responsible for even a small increase in individual risk, it could contribute substantially to these disorders in the overall population[18].

What still isn’t known

It’s unethical to do experiments that could harm a human life, so to gain a better understanding of the direct effects of acetaminophen during pregnancy, we must rely on human observational and experimental studies to assess the possibility of causal connections. But to really get at these questions, we need human cohort studies that can precisely capture when and why acetaminophen is taken during pregnancy. Additionally, we would like to see research that gives us a better understanding of the biologic pathways.

Notably, acetaminophen is also the medication most commonly[19] given to infants[20]. More research is needed to determine whether this practice is safe for the developing brain.

What’s next

The current near-ubiquitous use of acetaminophen during pregnancy is due in part to the widespread perception[21] – even among doctors – that it has limited side effects and negligible risk. But a growing body of research suggests that the indiscriminate use[22] of acetaminophen during pregnancy – especially for conditions such as chronic pain[23], low back pain[24] and headaches[25] – may be unwarranted and unsafe.

In our consensus statement, we urge education of health professionals and pregnant women about the risks and benefits of acetaminophen use during pregnancy.

Based on our extensive review of the evidence – and the recognition that there are limited alternatives for the necessary treatment of high fever and severe pain – we recommend that pregnant women refrain from using acetaminophen unless it is medically recommended by a doctor. Women should also minimize risk to the fetus by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

[Get the best of The Conversation, every weekend. Sign up for our weekly newsletter[26].]

References

  1. ^ Research Brief (theconversation.com)
  2. ^ new review study (doi.org)
  3. ^ neurodevelopmental disorders (doi.org)
  4. ^ over 600 prescription and over-the-counter medications (www.chpa.org)
  5. ^ 50% of pregnant women (doi.org)
  6. ^ 65% of pregnant women (doi.org)
  7. ^ reproductive development (doi.org)
  8. ^ guidance recommends (mothertobaby.org)
  9. ^ other pain relievers (www.mayoclinic.org)
  10. ^ ibuprofen and aspirin are not considered safe (www.fda.gov)
  11. ^ midpregnancy (mothertobaby.org)
  12. ^ reproductive disorders (doi.org)
  13. ^ such as ADHD (www.cdc.gov)
  14. ^ autism spectrum disorder (autismsciencefoundation.org)
  15. ^ been increasing (doi.org)
  16. ^ has gone up (doi.org)
  17. ^ acetaminophen is so commonly taken during pregnancy (doi.org)
  18. ^ overall population (doi.org)
  19. ^ most commonly (doi.org)
  20. ^ given to infants (doi.org)
  21. ^ widespread perception (doi.org)
  22. ^ indiscriminate use (doi.org)
  23. ^ chronic pain (doi.org)
  24. ^ low back pain (doi.org)
  25. ^ headaches (doi.org)
  26. ^ Sign up for our weekly newsletter (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/tylenol-could-be-risky-for-pregnant-women-a-new-review-of-25-years-of-research-finds-acetaminophen-may-contribute-to-adhd-and-other-developmental-disorders-in-children-168820

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

Is our mental health determined by where we live – or is it the other way round? New research sheds more light

Ever felt like where you live is having an impact on your mental health? Turns out, you’re not imagining things. Our new analysis[1] of eight years of data from the New Zeal...

Going Off the Beaten Path? Here's How to Power Up Without the Grid

There’s something incredibly freeing about heading off the beaten path. No traffic, no crowded campsites, no glowing screens in every direction — just you, the landscape, and the...

West HQ is bringing in a season of culinary celebration this July

Western Sydney’s leading entertainment and lifestyle precinct is bringing the fire this July and not just in the kitchen. From $29 lobster feasts and award-winning Asian banque...

What Endo Took and What It Gave Me

From pain to purpose: how one woman turned endometriosis into a movement After years of misdiagnosis, hormone chaos, and major surgery, Jo Barry was done being dismissed. What beg...

Why Parents Must Break the Silence on Money and Start Teaching Financial Skills at Home

Australia’s financial literacy rates are in decline, and our kids are paying the price. Certified Money Coach and Financial Educator Sandra McGuire, who has over 20 years’ exp...

Australia’s Grill’d Transforms Operations with Qlik

Boosting Burgers and Business Clean, connected data powers real-time insights, smarter staffing, and standout customer experiences Sydney, Australia, 14 July 2025 – Qlik®, a g...