Massachusetts Department of Public Health Statement About Use of Tylenol During Pregnancy

On September 26, 2025, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) issued a statement on the safety of using acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce fever during pregnancy. MDPH states that, “Acetaminophen – commonly known by the brand name Tylenol – is one of the safest and most commonly used medicines to relieve pain and reduce fever in pregnancy. Treating these symptoms is important, as leaving fever or significant pain untreated can be far more dangerous to a developing fetus than taking acetaminophen as directed…Acetaminophen remains a safe and important option for managing headaches, muscle aches, or fever during pregnancy. ”

The statement points to the overwhelming body of research that has not shown taking acetaminophen during pregnancy causes autism or any other neurodevelopmental conditions in children.  

MDPH states that they will “continue to push back on harmful misinformation and disinformation related to the health and safety of those in our Commonwealth. And we will continue to monitor emerging research and rely on expert opinion to update our guidance as new high-quality evidence and data become available.” 

Read the full statement on their website.