- Department of Public Health
Acetaminophen – commonly known by the brand name Tylenol – is one of the safest and most commonly used medicines to relieve pain and reduce fever in pregnancy. Treating these symptoms is important, as leaving fever or significant pain untreated can be far more dangerous to a developing fetus than taking acetaminophen as directed.
The overwhelming body of scientific research has not shown that using acetaminophen during pregnancy causes autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions in children. Claims to the contrary are simply not supported by high-quality evidence.
Pregnant individuals should always follow the advice of their obstetrician, family practice physician, or nurse midwife before taking any medicine. Acetaminophen remains a safe and important option for managing headaches, muscle aches, or fever during pregnancy.
Public health statements with the power and reach to influence millions of families must be anchored in solid evidence and guided by medical specialists who understand the science – not by speculation or opinions from those without the training and knowledge to accurately assess the full scope of research and the associated clinical nuances.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will continue to push back on harmful misinformation and disinformation related to the health and safety of those in our Commonwealth. And we will continue to monitor emerging research and rely on expert opinion to update our guidance as new high-quality evidence and data become available.
Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD
Commissioner of Public Health
Jessica Zeidman, MD
Deputy Commissioner/Chief Medical Officer
