Is Acetaminophen During Pregnancy Linked to ADHD and Autism? What the Latest Research Reveals

BRMI Staff

For years, acetaminophen (often known as Tylenol or paracetamol) has been considered the safest option for pain and fever during pregnancy. It’s the medication most doctors recommend when expecting mothers need relief. But new research is challenging that long-held belief, asking an important question: could using acetaminophen in pregnancy increase the risk of ADHD or autism in children?

A large review published in Environmental Health in February 2025 pulled together decades of research and applied a structured, evidence-based approach to make sense of it all. The findings deserve attention.

Why This Review Matters: Tylenol in Pregnancy

• More than half of pregnant women worldwide use acetaminophen.

• The review included 46 studies looking at prenatal acetaminophen exposure and children’s brain development.

• A transparent, systematic framework known as the Navigation Guide was used to weigh study quality and consistency.

This wasn’t just one study—it was a careful evaluation of the full body of evidence.

ADHD: The Strongest Connection

• Of the 20 studies on ADHD, 14 found a clear association with prenatal acetaminophen use.

• Some showed a dose–response relationship: the longer or more frequent the exposure, the greater the risk.

• When quality and bias were factored in, ADHD emerged as the most convincing link.

In plain terms: there’s strong evidence that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase the chance of ADHD in children.

Autism: A Significant Signal

• Out of 8 studies on autism spectrum disorder, 5 found positive associations, 2 found no link, and 1 had mixed results.

• Several of the positive studies also showed a dose–response effect.

• Taken together, the evidence was judged as strong, though not as extensive as the ADHD data.

Other Developmental Outcomes

Researchers also looked at 18 additional studies exploring outcomes such as language delays, IQ, motor skills, and behavior.

• Findings were mixed: some showed positive associations, others showed none, and a few even suggested opposite effects.

• While not as consistent, the overall pattern suggests that acetaminophen may affect brain development beyond ADHD and autism.

How Might Acetaminophen Affect the Brain?

The review pointed to several possible biological pathways:

• Crossing the placenta: acetaminophen reaches the fetus.

• Oxidative stress: certain metabolites may damage developing tissues.

• Hormone disruption: possible effects on endocrine signaling.

• Epigenetic changes: shifts in DNA methylation have been observed in some studies.

• Neuroinflammation: interference with prostaglandin and endocannabinoid systems.

The Glutathione Connection

Another important piece of the puzzle is acetaminophen’s effect on glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant.

• Glutathione’s role: It protects cells from oxidative stress, supports detoxification, and is essential for healthy brain and liver function.

• Acetaminophen metabolism: When acetaminophen is broken down, it produces a toxic byproduct called NAPQI. Normally, glutathione neutralizes this compound.

• Depletion risk: Frequent or high doses of acetaminophen can drain glutathione reserves, leaving tissues more vulnerable to oxidative damage.

• Pregnancy impact: Both mother and baby rely heavily on glutathione. If levels drop, the developing brain may lose a key line of defense, creating conditions where neurodevelopmental disorders are more likely.

This biochemical mechanism gives weight to the observational findings, showing that it’s not just correlation—it’s biologically plausible.

What Expecting Mothers Should Know

There are other natural homeopathic remedies that are effective and do not cause harm.

Homeopathics for Fever

• Aconitum napellus is useful for the sudden onset of high fever, often after exposure to cold wind, with anxiety and restlessness. In pregnancy, it can be taken safely in a 30C potency every 2–4 hours at the start of symptoms, reducing the frequency as improvement sets in.

• Belladonna is indicated when there is a sudden, intense fever with a flushed red face, hot skin, throbbing headache, and sensitivity to light or noise. It is safe to use in potency during pregnancy, typically 30C every 2–3 hours until symptoms calm.

• Ferrum phosphoricum suits low-grade, vague fevers or the “coming down with something” stage. This gentle remedy is especially appropriate when the picture is unclear, with safe dosing at 6C or 12C every 3–4 hours.

• Gelsemium is often needed when fever comes with chills, weakness, heaviness, and droopiness, as if the body has no energy to respond. In pregnancy, 30C every 3–6 hours is safe and effective for this flu-like state.

• Bryonia covers fever with body aches, where pain worsens with the slightest movement but improves with rest. This remedy is safe in potency, generally used at 30C every 3–4 hours.

Homeopathics for Pain

• Arnica montana is the first choice for soreness, bruised feelings, or after any strain or trauma. Safe in potency during pregnancy, it can be taken at 30C every 2–4 hours acutely, then spaced out as symptoms ease. Arnica cream or gel is also safe externally on unbroken skin.

• Bryonia helps when pain is sharp and aggravated by any movement, with relief coming only from complete stillness. In pregnancy, 30C every 3–6 hours can be used safely.

• Rhus toxicodendron is the opposite picture—stiffness and pain that feel worse at rest but improve once moving, like a rusty hinge. It is safe during pregnancy in 30C potency, repeated every 3–6 hours as needed.

• Chamomilla addresses pain that feels unbearable, with marked irritability and restlessness. It is often used for teething or ear pain in children, but also applies to pregnancy discomforts. Safe dosing is 6C or 30C every 2–4 hours.

• Magnesia phosphorica is a gentle mineral remedy for cramping or neuralgic pain, always better with heat and pressure. Safe and commonly used in pregnancy, it can be taken as 6X (cell salt) or 6C every 2–4 hours, with 30C considered for stronger neuralgic pain.

  
  

  In summary, all of these remedies are considered safe during pregnancy in homeopathic potencies (6C–30C). Higher potencies (200C and above) or frequent repetition should be guided by a practitioner. Remedies can be reduced or stopped once there is clear improvement.
  

Final Thoughts

The science is pointing in one direction: acetaminophen use in pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of ADHD, autism, and possibly other developmental challenges. The evidence doesn’t prove causation yet, but it’s strong enough to warrant caution.

Source: Prada, Diddier, Beate Ritz, Ann Z. Bauer, and Andrea A. Baccarelli. “Evaluation of the Evidence on Acetaminophen Use and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Using the Navigation Guide Methodology.” Environmental Health 24, no. 56 (August 14, 2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-025-01208-0.

Bioregulatory medicine is a total body (and mind) approach to health and healing that aims to help facilitate and restore natural human biological processes. It is a proven, safe, gentle, highly effective, drugless, and side-effect-free medical model designed to naturally support the body to regulate, adapt, regenerate, and self-heal. BRMI is a non-commercial 501(c)(3) foundation and will expand and flourish with your support. Our goal is to make bioregulatory medicine a household term.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the direct care of a qualified health practitioner who oversees and provides unique and individualized care. The information provided here is to broaden our different perspectives and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.