Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy

A new study found that acetaminophen use during pregnancy is not associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, contradicting some prior reports. "This study is a very important response to concerns from the previous studies," said Karen Keough, M.D., a pediatric neurologist and medical director at Pediatrix® Specialty Care of Austin. As a pain reducer and anti-fever agent, acetaminophen can be important in pregnancy because other pain and fever medications like ibuprofen or naproxen should not be taken, said Dr. Keough. "Fever, in particular, can be dangerous to the developing baby’s brain and should be controlled, especially in early pregnancy, and pain relief might be essential for many situations," explained Dr. Keough.

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