If you’re a parent or expecting one, it’s not unheard of to reach for acetaminophen (that’s the active ingredient in Tylenol or paracetamol) at some point for pain or fever. It’s one of the most common over-the-counter meds recommended during pregnancy because it’s generally considered safe. But lately, there’s been a lot of buzz—especially with recent news from the Trump administration—about whether using it while pregnant could be linked to autism or ADHD in kids. Is there real science behind this, or is it just hype? Let’s break it down based on the latest research as of September 2025.

What the Studies Suggesting a Link Say

Over the past few years, several studies have found associations—meaning patterns, not necessarily direct causes—between moms taking acetaminophen during pregnancy and higher chances of their kids developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For example, a big review published in August 2025 looked at 46 studies from around the world and concluded there’s “strong evidence” of a link. [1] They used a method called the Navigation Guide to evaluate everything fairly, and found that in higher-quality studies, the connection held up, especially for ADHD and ASD. Some even showed a “dose-response” effect: the more acetaminophen used, the higher the risk.

One of the newest pieces comes from Mount Sinai researchers, also in August 2025, who analyzed those same 46 studies and supported the idea that prenatal exposure might raise the risk of autism and ADHD. [2] The Harvard piece highlighted that kids exposed in the womb might be more likely to have these conditions, based on global data. They stressed that while it’s not proof of cause-and-effect, the patterns are consistent across different populations. Another article dives into possible reasons why this might happen, pointing to how acetaminophen could mess with mitochondria (the powerhouses in our cells) during fetal development, leading to oxidative stress that affects brain growth. [3] Studies on mice and humans showed things like DNA damage and changes in brain chemicals, which could tie into autism or ADHD symptoms.

Just today, The White House linked autism to acetaminophen usage by pregnant women. [4]

But Hold On—Not Everyone Agrees It’s Causal

Here’s where it gets tricky: association doesn’t mean causation. Many experts point out that these studies are mostly observational—they look at patterns in large groups but can’t control for everything. For instance, moms who take acetaminophen might do so because of fevers, infections, or pain, and those issues could be the real culprits behind neurodevelopmental problems. [5] A PBS article from earlier this month lays out five key points: doctors still say it’s safe in moderation; untreated fever is riskier; no study proves it causes autism; findings are inconsistent; and other factors like genetics might explain the links.

A massive 2024 study (still relevant as the most recent big one before 2025) of over 2.4 million Swedish kids found no increased risk when comparing siblings—meaning when you account for family genetics and environment, the link disappears. [6] The researcher involved called the pro-link science “not the best,” citing biases like small sample sizes and poor tracking of actual doses. Expert reactions to the recent government buzz echo this: scientists from places like the Science Media Centre say there’s no solid proof, and fear-mongering could scare pregnant people away from needed meds. [7] One prof summed it up: “More robust studies show no increased risk.”

Even the 2025 reviews admit limitations, like recall bias (moms might not remember exactly when or how much they took) and confounding factors that aren’t fully adjusted for. [8] Plus, we can’t do randomized trials on pregnant women for ethical reasons, so we’ll never have gold-standard proof.

The Most Recent Research (2025 and Beyond)

Focusing on the freshest stuff: The August 2025 Environmental Health journal review is one of the latest, rating the evidence as “strong” for a likely relationship but calling for more research to nail down causality. [8] They looked at everything from self-reports to biomarkers and animal models. Similarly, the Mount Sinai/Harvard collab from the same month reinforces this but urges caution—don’t stop using it without talking to your doc, as pain and fever can harm the baby too. [9] As of today (September 22, 2025), news from Yale and others notes the ongoing debate, with no major guideline changes yet. [10]

What Should You Do?

If you’re pregnant or planning to be, the takeaway is balance. The consensus from groups like the FDA and ob-gyn societies is that acetaminophen is still the go-to for pain and fever, but use the lowest dose for the shortest time possible. Always chat with your doctor—don’t make changes based on headlines alone.

This topic is evolving, so stay informed.