Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) During Pregnancy and Brain Development

18 Nov 2024

Acetaminophen (paracetamol), known as Tylenol®, is a widely used medication to relieve pain and reduce fever during pregnancy. While it is generally considered safe, questions about its potential effects on a baby’s brain development have led our team to explore this topic.

So far, studies have not shown a clear link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and delays in learning, movement, or language development. However, uncertainties remain, and further research is needed to better understand the risks. Knowing the benefits and risks can help you make informed decisions during your pregnancy.

This infographic provides a summary of current findings. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication during pregnancy, even if it’s something you’re used to taking.

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For more information, explore our associated Fact Sheets and Resources.

You can also look into the studies mentionned here:

Ahlqvist, Viktor H., et al. “Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, Adhd, and Intellectual Disability.” JAMA 331.14 (2024): 1205-14. Print.
Alemany, Silvia, et al. “Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to Acetaminophen in Relation to Autism Spectrum and Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Symptoms in Childhood: Meta-Analysis in Six European Population-Based Cohorts.” European Journal of Epidemiology 36.10 (2021): 993-1004. Print.
Bertoldi, Andréa D., et al. “Associations of Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and the First Year of Life with Neurodevelopment in Early Childhood.” Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 34.3 (2020): 267-77. Print.
Chen, Mu-Hong, et al. “Prenatal Exposure to Acetaminophen and the Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Nationwide Study in Taiwan.” The Journal of clinical psychiatry 80.5 (2019). Print.
Gustavson, Kristin, et al. “Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Offspring Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – a Longitudinal Sibling Control Study.” JCPP Advances 1.2 (2021). Print.
Inoue, Kosuke, et al. “Behavioral Problems at Age 11 Years after Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to Acetaminophen: Parent-Reported and Self-Reported Outcomes.” American journal of epidemiology 190.6 (2021): 1009-20. Print.
Liew, Zeyan, et al. « Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy, Behavioral Problems, and Hyperkinetic Disorders. » JAMA pediatrics 168.4 (2014): 313-20. Print.
Liew, Zeyan, et al. “Prenatal Use of Acetaminophen and Child Iq: A Danish Cohort Study.” Epidemiology 27.6 (2016): 912-18. Print.
Liew, Zeyan, Beate Ritz, Jasveer Virk, and Jørn Olsen. “Maternal Use of Acetaminophen During Pregnancy and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Childhood: A Danish National Birth Cohort Study.” Autism Research 9.9 (2016): 951-58. Print.
Sznajder, Kristin K., Douglas M. Teti, Kristen H. Kjerulff, and Kang Sun. “Maternal Use of Acetaminophen During Pregnancy and Neurobehavioral Problems in Offspring at 3 Years: A Prospective Cohort Study.” PLoS ONE 17.9 (2022). Print.
Tovo-Rodrigues, L., et al. “Low Neurodevelopmental Performance and Behavioural/Emotional Problems at 24 and 48 Months in Brazilian Children Exposed to Acetaminophen During Foetal Development.” Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 34.3 (2020): 278-86. Print.
Tovo-Rodrigues, Luciana, et al. “Is Intrauterine Exposure to Acetaminophen Associated with Emotional and Hyperactivity Problems During Childhood? Findings from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort.” BMC Psychiatry. 18.1 (2018): 1-11. Springer Nature – BioMed Central. Web.
Trønnes, J. N., et al. “Prenatal Paracetamol Exposure and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preschool-Aged Children.” Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 34.3 (2020): 247-56. Print.
Vlenterie, Richelle, et al. “Neurodevelopmental Problems at 18 Months among Children Exposed to Paracetamol in Utero: A Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study.” International journal of epidemiology 45.6 (2016): 1998-2008. Print.
Woodbury, Megan L., et al. “Examining the Relationship of Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy with Early Language Development in Children.” Pediatric research 95.7 (2024): 1883-96. Print.
Ystrom, Eivind, et al. “Prenatal Exposure to Acetaminophen and Risk of Adhd.” Pediatrics 140.5 (2017). Print.