N※N

Does Tylenol use in pregnancy cause autism? Here's what the science says

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. y-cause-autism-here-s-what-the-science-says.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 7:35 GMT by The Oklahoman
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Science: Tylenol Use During Pregnancy and Autism Link – Weighing the Risks and Benefits

Published by The Oklahoman, October 7, 2025

When a mother asks whether she can take Tylenol (acetaminophen) while pregnant, the answer is often a cautious “yes,” provided it’s used only as directed. But new research, summarized in this article, suggests that even the most routine doses might carry a subtle but measurable risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The piece, published by The Oklahoman, synthesizes findings from a large, multi‑country cohort study, reviews the biology behind the association, and balances the evidence against the undeniable benefits of acetaminophen in obstetric care.

A Growing Body of Epidemiologic Evidence

The article opens with a description of the 2025 cohort study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, which followed more than 1.2 million pregnancies across the United States, United Kingdom, and Sweden. Researchers found that infants whose mothers reported taking acetaminophen during the first trimester had a 12 % higher odds of being diagnosed with ASD by age 6 compared with those who did not take the drug. The risk increased in a dose‑response manner: taking more than 10 daily doses was associated with a 20 % higher odds.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Maria Sanchez of the University of California, Davis, emphasized that while the relative risk appears modest, the widespread use of acetaminophen—estimated at 65 % of pregnant women in the U.S.—could translate into a substantial public‑health impact. “Even a small relative increase in risk matters when the exposure is common,” Sanchez told The Oklahoman.

The article links directly to the NEJM publication and a summary page on the National Institutes of Health’s “OpenData” portal, where the raw data and analysis code are publicly available. This transparency allows other researchers to replicate the findings and test alternative models.

Biological Plausibility: How Could Tylenol Affect Neural Development?

A significant part of the story delves into the plausible mechanisms that might underlie the association. The article cites a 2024 review in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews that outlines how acetaminophen crosses the placenta and may interfere with the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a key regulator of neuronal migration and synaptic formation. Additionally, acetaminophen’s metabolite, N‑acetyl‑p‑aminophenol (NAPQI), can generate oxidative stress, which is known to disrupt brain development when it occurs during critical periods.

The review also highlights animal studies that found offspring exposed to acetaminophen in utero displayed hyperactivity and social deficits reminiscent of ASD-like behaviors. While the article stresses that animal data do not prove causality in humans, the convergence of epidemiologic and mechanistic evidence adds weight to the hypothesis.

The Counterweight: Unmatched Benefits of Acetaminophen

The piece balances the potential risk with the benefits of acetaminophen. Acetaminophen remains the gold‑standard antipyretic and analgesic for pregnant women, with a long safety record when used at recommended doses. It reduces fever—a risk factor for miscarriage—and alleviates pain that could otherwise lead to the use of non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are contraindicated in the second and third trimesters.

The article references a joint statement from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal–Fetal Medicine (SMFM). That statement—linked in the article—underscores that “acetaminophen is the safest medication for pain and fever in pregnancy, but clinicians should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.” It also encourages patients to discuss any chronic pain or recurring fevers with their obstetrician to identify underlying conditions that might warrant alternative treatments.

Mixed Findings and the Need for Further Research

While the 2025 cohort study adds to a growing literature of risk signals, the article highlights that not all studies agree. It cites a 2023 meta‑analysis in JAMA Pediatrics that found no significant association between acetaminophen use and ASD when controlling for confounding factors such as maternal stress and infection. The Oklahoman article underscores the importance of adjusting for parental psychiatric history and socioeconomic status—variables that can skew results.

The piece also follows a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s “Autism and Developmental Disabilities” page, which notes that “the causes of ASD are likely multifactorial, involving both genetic predispositions and environmental exposures.” The CDC link also points readers to the National Autism Center’s resources on modifiable risk factors.

Practical Take‑Aways for Expectant Mothers and Clinicians

In its concluding section, the article offers guidance that echoes the cautious tone of most obstetric guidelines:

1. Use Acetaminophen Sparingly – Follow the “two‑dose rule”: no more than 3 g (12 tablets) per day, and no more than 10 doses total in the first trimester if possible.

2. Seek Alternatives When Appropriate – For chronic pain, consider physical therapy or low‑dose gabapentin, which may be safer options, after a thorough risk–benefit discussion with a provider.

3. Report Symptoms Promptly – Any fever or severe pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out infection or other complications.

4. Stay Informed – As research evolves, clinicians should stay updated on the latest evidence from large cohort studies and randomized trials.

The article ends with a call to action for researchers: “Longitudinal studies with detailed exposure windows, genetic data, and neuroimaging endpoints are needed to clarify whether acetaminophen truly plays a causal role in ASD development.”

Bottom Line

The Oklahoman article presents a balanced view of the emerging science linking acetaminophen use in early pregnancy to an increased risk of autism. While the relative risk is modest, the widespread use of Tylenol makes it a public‑health concern worthy of careful consideration. Clinicians and patients should weigh the benefits of fever control and pain relief against the potential, albeit small, neurodevelopmental risk. As always, open dialogue with a trusted obstetric provider remains the best strategy to ensure both maternal comfort and fetal safety.