At a White House press conference, President Donald Trump warned pregnant women against taking Tylenol (acetaminophen), citing a supposed link to autism. He also repeated debunked claims about vaccines.
The comments left many expectant mothers angry, disappointed, and uncertain, while prompting doctors to brace for a wave of patient questions.
A Nurse Practitioner’s Perspective
Faith Ayer, a nurse practitioner from Jacksonville, Florida, and 17 weeks pregnant, said she felt frustrated by Trump’s remarks. She had taken Tylenol for chronic migraines and COVID-related fever, knowing it was considered safe during pregnancy.
Ayer emphasized that untreated fevers pose risks such as miscarriage, preterm birth, and other complications. After consulting her doctor, she felt confident in her decision and plans to fully vaccinate her baby.
Doctors Reassure Patients: Tylenol Is Safe
OB-GYNs across the country reported rising concern among patients.
- Dr. R. Todd Ivey (Houston) said he reassures patients that no causal link has ever been proven between acetaminophen and autism.
- Dr. Stella Dantas (Portland) noted that expectant mothers already feel anxious about medications, and Trump’s comments are fueling new fears.
- Dr. Clayton Alfonso (Duke University) is preparing standard responses for inquiries, emphasizing that Tylenol has been safely used for decades without evidence it causes autism.
What the Science Shows
- Some studies suggest an association between acetaminophen use and autism, but many others do not.
- Experts warn it is difficult to separate effects of the drug from the effects of fevers themselves during pregnancy.
- The Coalition of Autism Scientists reports acetaminophen use in pregnancy has not risen in recent decades — unlike autism diagnoses.
- Research consistently shows autism is primarily genetic, with other factors such as parental age and maternal health also influencing risk.
Vaccine Safety Reinforced
Doctors stressed that Trump’s comments about vaccines were equally misleading. Vaccines do not cause autism and remain a vital tool for protecting newborns. Ivey warned that growing vaccine hesitancy reflects broader distrust in the medical community.
The Key Message for Expectant Mothers
Doctors urge pregnant women to avoid unnecessary anxiety:
- Use Tylenol only when clinically indicated — for fever or pain not manageable by other means.
- Don’t “tough it out” with untreated fevers or pain, since maternal health directly impacts pregnancy outcomes.
- Consult your physician for guidance tailored to individual circumstances.
As Dantas summarized: “A healthy pregnancy starts with a healthy mom.”
