Studies Show Alarming Possible Link Between Using Tylenol During Pregnancy and Autism

April 7, 2023

Many expectant mothers over the years may have used acetaminophen, commonly sold under the brand Tylenol, to relieve pain, and believed this practice to be safe. Unfortunately, some studies now link the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder.

Using Tylenol During Pregnancy and Autism

Some recent research links acetaminophen to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often referred to simply as autism. 

For instance, researchers for a 2018 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology did a meta-analysis of seven studies involving 132,738 pairs of mothers and children that followed them for periods ranging from three to 11 years, depending on the specific study. The analysis used questionnaires, interviews, and self-reports on medication use to gather information. 

That analysis revealed a startling 20 percent higher risk of autism for children with prolonged exposure to acetaminophen during fetal development.

Studies Show Startling Potential Tylenol and Autism Link

Additionally, an NIH-funded study by a team from Johns Hopkins – one that looked at data from the Boston Birth Cohort, including umbilical cord blood samples from 996 births – was published in 2019 and discovered that exposure to acetaminophen in the womb could increase a child’s risk for ADD and autism spectrum disorder. 

In that study, babies with the highest acetaminophen levels in their cord blood were three times more likely to be on the autism spectrum when compared to children with lower acetaminophen levels in their cord blood.

FDA Urges Careful Consideration

The Cleveland Clinic also reported that some studies suggest taking acetaminophen too much during pregnancy could increase your future child’s risk of developing autism or ADHD.

Due to the “uncertainty” regarding the safety of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines used during pregnancy, in 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a safety announcement recommending the use of pain medicines during pregnancy be “carefully considered.”

Should You Pursue a Tylenol During Pregnancy and Autism Lawsuit?

Phillips Law Group is investigating cases of autism or ADHD in children exposed to acetaminophen in utero or within 18 months of birth. 

Please contact us to learn more if you believe you or a loved one may have been affected. Our firm can offer a free no-obligation evaluation to discuss all of your legal options. Our team is always available to discuss a potential case with you and to help you and your loved ones seek justice!