The Real Deal About Taking Tylenol When You're Expecting

What Makes Tylenol Different From Other Pain Relievers:

Acetaminophen — also known as paracetamol and sold under the brand name Tylenol — is considered the only safe over-the-counter option for pain or fever for pregnant people. 

Unlike aspirin and ibuprofen, which doctors tell pregnant women to avoid, Tylenol works differently in your body. It treats pain and fever without affecting blood flow to your baby or causing problems with your pregnancy.

How Much Is Actually Safe To Take:

Most providers recommend keeping your total acetaminophen intake to no more than 3,000 mg in a 24-hour period, which is the same limit for adults who aren't pregnant. The standard dose ranges from 325 mg to 650 mg every four to six hours as needed. 

This means you can take up to two regular-strength tablets every six hours, but you should always read labels carefully. Many cold medicines and prescription drugs also contain acetaminophen, so you need to count all sources to stay under the daily limit.

When Doctors Say You Should Take It:

Acetaminophen is one of the few options available to pregnant patients to treat pain and fever, which can be harmful to pregnant people when left untreated. High fever can raise the risk of neural tube defects and preterm birth. 

Doctors recommend taking Tylenol when you have a fever over 100.4 degrees, bad headaches that could signal high blood pressure problems, or pain that keeps you from sleeping or doing daily activities.

Recent Research Clears Up Confusion:

You might have heard scary stories linking Tylenol to autism or ADHD in children. 

Recent research provides strong evidence against these concerning claims, with a 2024 study that looked at thousands of siblings and compared pregnancies where mothers took acetaminophen during one but not the other finding no increased risk. 

The data from numerous studies have shown that acetaminophen plays an important—and safe—role in the well-being of pregnant women.

Smart Guidelines For Every Trimester:

Use Tylenol only when you really need it, not as a daily habit. Take the smallest amount that helps your symptoms and don't use it for more than a few days in a row without talking to your doctor. 

Avoid combining multiple products containing acetaminophen simultaneously unless directed by a healthcare professional. Keep track of when you take it and how much, especially if you're also taking prescription medications.

The Bottom Line Every Expecting Mom Needs:

Acetaminophen remains a safe and effective option for treating fever and pain in pregnancy, and medical experts agree that untreated pain and fever pose bigger risks to you and your baby than properly used Tylenol does. 

When you're pregnant, your comfort and health matter for your baby's development. Don't suffer through pain or fever when you have a safe option available.