A comprehensive review published in The BMJ this November 10 analyzed nine systematic reviews and 40 observational studies to assess prenatal paracetamol use. Conducted by researchers from the University of Liverpool and several partner institutions, the study found no convincing evidence of a causal link between paracetamol and autism spectrum disorders in children. Instead, findings suggest that genetics and maternal health factors likely explain earlier associations.
The authors encouraged further high-quality research that considers other influencing factors, noting it could clarify how the timing and duration of paracetamol exposure might affect fetal development.
Still, public debate around the safety of Tylenol use during pregnancy has intensified—especially after it became official policy of the Trump administration to link the pain reliever to autism. This could have far-reaching effects, as Tylenol has long been viewed as one of the safest ways for expectant mothers to manage pain and fever.
So, is there actually any connection between Tylenol and autism? Click on to discover all you need to know.