Acetaminophen and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Recently, the California Department of Public Health, the California Office of the Surgeon General, and the California Department of Developmental Services released a joint statement about acetaminophen use during pregnancy. This comes after ongoing public conversations and concerns about whether this common pain reliever is safe for pregnant people.
What the Statement Says
The joint statement makes it clear:
“There is no strong evidence showing a causal relationship between the appropriate use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy and harmful effects on fetal development.”
This aligns with the position of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which also affirms the safety of acetaminophen when used as directed during pregnancy.
Why This Matters
For many pregnant people, acetaminophen is one of the only over-the-counter pain relief options considered safe to use. Public concern can make it difficult for families to feel confident in their health choices, which is why these clarifications from trusted medical authorities are so important.
Guidance for Families
Both California health leaders and ACOG emphasize the same message:
- Continue conversations with your licensed healthcare provider.
- Rely on credible, science-based information when making decisions.
- Use acetaminophen only as directed, and discuss any questions or concerns with your provider.
Read the Full Statements
We’ve gathered the official resources here so you can read them directly: