You’ll likely be confronted with several health decisions that require careful thought and consideration when you’re pregnant. First, there’s deciding what to eat, which is complicated because healthy foods like fish may contain mercury.
Then there’s the question of what medicines to avoid to prevent congenital disabilities or developmental issues in your baby. One medicine that has been on the radar of expectant moms for years is acetaminophen—the main ingredient in Tylenol and a standard go-to for pregnant women suffering from headaches or joint pain.
However, recent studies have shown that taking acetaminophen while pregnant could increase a child’s risk of developing behavioral disorders such as autism. Several mothers have sued the maker of the drug with a Tylenol Autism ADHD lawsuit for not warning them about its negative consequences on kids when consumed during pregnancy.
So, we’ve rounded up some of the latest research about this concern so you can make informed decisions about whether to reach for a Tylenol when you have a headache during your pregnancy. If you have already consumed the drug, seek medical help immediately to prevent the drug’s adverse effects on you and your kids. You should also consider filing the lawsuit and get the compensation you deserve.
Acetaminophen Is Linked to Behavioral Disorders
Acetaminophen is a common pain reliever used during pregnancy as it doesn’t cross the placenta and enter the baby’s bloodstream. It’s also not recommended for women who are breastfeeding.
As with any medication, there can be adverse side effects if too much of it is taken—but what exactly are those side effects? The most serious risk of taking acetaminophen while pregnant is that your child may have congenital disabilities or developmental problems later on.
Studies show that children whose mothers took acetaminophen during pregnancy were more likely to develop behavioral disorders such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Acetaminophen can also cause liver damage if you take too much—and this has been linked to decreased IQ scores in children exposed to high doses of acetaminophen before birth.
Autism and Acetaminophen Linked Earlier
The first study was published in the journal Pediatrics in March 2010. The researchers interviewed more than 600 mothers and found a correlation between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism later on in life.
The second study was conducted by researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and published in September 2015. They also found a link between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Another issue with acetaminophen is that it may disrupt hormone levels in pregnant women, affecting fetal development. Some studies have shown that an interaction between hormones and acetaminophen can lead to increased risks of miscarriage or premature birth if taken during pregnancy without medical supervision.
Child Acetaminophen Exposure Linked to ADHD
Acetaminophen is found in many over-the-counter medications, including Tylenol and prescription pain relievers. It’s often used to treat headaches, muscle aches, and fever. Even though acetaminophen is considered safe during pregnancy, research has shown that the drug can affect children’s development later in life.
Studies have linked children’s use of acetaminophen during pregnancy with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) and behavioral issues such as impulsivity and aggression. One study showed that if a pregnant woman took even just one dose of acetaminophen after she was aware that she was pregnant or within the first trimester of her pregnancy—and if her child developed ADHD later on—there was a 60% increased risk of developing an attention problem later on than kids not exposed to this medication early in life.
Acetaminophen May Interfere With Puberty Development
Pregnant women should be aware of the possible adverse effects of acetaminophen on their unborn children. In this case, it’s not just about avoiding painkillers and opting for a natural remedy like ginger ale or ice cream; it’s about your child’s development.
Puberty is when children become adults, but it’s also a time of growth and change within the body. During this period that sexual maturation occurs as well as emotional maturation.
Acetaminophen may interfere with both processes by altering periods of rapid bone growth (a phenomenon known as “bone age delay”), resulting in delayed puberty or stunted growth later on in life.
Increased Risk of ADHD in Children When Mothers Take Acetaminophen While Pregnant
A Swedish study of over 1 million children found that developing ADHD was higher in children whose mothers took acetaminophen during pregnancy. The study, conducted by researchers from Orebro University in Sweden and published in 2009, followed 1,153,820 live births between 1996 and 2007. They found that when women took acetaminophen for more than 30 days during their first trimester of pregnancy, their child was more likely to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
U.S. Researchers Found Similar Links Between ADHD and Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy
According to a new study, pregnant women should avoid taking acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. It has been linked to a higher risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Acetaminophen has also been linked to autism and other conditions, but more research needs to be done on whether these associations exist or not.
Expectant Mothers Should Avoid Taking Acetaminophen Whenever Possible
When it comes to acetaminophen, expectant mothers should avoid taking it whenever possible. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol and many other over-the-counter drugs, but it can be dangerous for pregnant women.
Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in cold medications and fever reducers. This means that if you have a minor illness like the common cold or flu and take an over-the-counter medication containing acetaminophen, there’s a chance that you might accidentally expose yourself to more of this substance than what’s recommended by your doctor.
The same goes for taking the medication without consulting your doctor first; if they aren’t aware of your pregnancy status yet (or have forgotten), then there’s also an increased risk for accidental overdose on acetaminophen during pregnancy—especially when combined with other drugs or alcohol!
In short: If there’s any doubt about how much Tylenol you should take while pregnant because they don’t know your situation yet, don’t take anything!
Conclusion
From all of the stories, data, and research discussed in this article, it is clear that taking Tylenol during pregnancy can be detrimental to the health of your unborn child.
If your doctor has prescribed you Tylenol for a condition, please speak with them about these new findings before taking any medication.
It is also essential to remember that many other medications are available to treat certain conditions just as effectively as Tylenol does!
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
