There are numerous over-the-counter medications that people take daily. Tylenol is one of them. Lately, Tylenol has been the subject of scrutiny and people are unsure what to believe, and pregnant women are scared.
What Was Said?
In an announcement made by President Trump on Sept. 22, he said that using Tylenol during pregnancy can increase the risk of a baby having autism. The Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., also supports the claim that President Trump made.
Following President Trump’s statement, questions and panic spread. Pregnant women are unsure whether they should take Tylenol and some are questioning whether this concern is backed by scientific evidence. Nobody is really sure what to believe.
Scientific Evidence: What We Know
Searching into the scientific side of things, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists responded quickly after the statements about Tylenol were made.
They said that there was no clear evidence that links the use of acetaminophen, which is an active ingredient in Tylenol, to autism or other risks. Medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, carry risks during pregnancy. Acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter drug that is approved to treat fevers during pregnancy.
Over the years, many studies have examined acetaminophen and its potential link to autism and other developmental disorders. In the studies, the results are all mixed; there is no specific correlation that shows a connection between acetaminophen and autism.
There is no single cause for autism. Genetics can factor in, along with many other conditions, including environmental conditions and the health of the mother. Studies are still being conducted today, so a definite answer hasn’t been found yet but researchers continue to investigate.
Kenvue, which is the parent company of Tylenol’s manufacturer, says that acetaminophen is the “safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy.” Without it, women can face dangerous choices, like suffering through potentially harmful conditions such as fevers or using riskier alternatives.
What Now?
As of now, many health experts have told pregnant women to consult with their doctors about which medication is safe and healthy for them to take and also safe and healthy for the baby.
There have been many pregnant women who have gone to social media and shared their stories about how Tylenol has been for them. Almost all of these women have used Tylenol while they were pregnant and said that everything in their pregnancy went well.
Have you had any trouble with Tylenol? What do you think about the claims being said? Let us know @VALLEYmag on X!
