Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy: Guidance from ACOG

At our practice, your safety and your baby’s health are always our top priorities. We understand that managing pain or fever during pregnancy can feel uncertain, especially with so much conflicting information online. That’s why we follow the most up-to-date medical guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

In September 2025, ACOG reaffirmed that acetaminophen (Tylenol) remains a safe and appropriate option for relieving pain or reducing fever during pregnancy when used as directed. While some studies have questioned a possible link between acetaminophen and developmental concerns, ACOG reviewed the available evidence and concluded that these studies do not show a proven cause and effect relationship.

Untreated pain or fever can have risks for both the mother and baby, which is why acetaminophen continues to be the recommended over-the-counter choice during pregnancy.

What we recommend:

  • Use acetaminophen only when needed and at the lowest effective dose.
  • Always talk with your provider before taking any medication, especially if you need to use it often or for several days in a row.
  • Avoid taking other pain relievers (like ibuprofen or aspirin) unless specifically directed by your doctor.

As always, our team is here to support you throughout your pregnancy and answer any questions you may have about medications or symptoms.

References:

ACOG: News Release – ACOG Affirms Safety and Benefits of Acetaminophen During Pregnancy ACOG: Physician FAQs – Acetaminophen in Pregnancy  
ACOG: Practice Advisory – Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes