Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy
Recent media stories may have caused concern about the safety of acetaminophen in pregnancy.
It’s important to know that leading medical organizations continue to support its safe use when needed.
What the Experts Say
- Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
“Acetaminophen remains a safe and appropriate first-line option for managing fever and pain during pregnancy when medically needed, at recommended doses and for the shortest duration necessary.”
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
- “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. Maternal fever, headaches as an early sign of preeclampsia, and pain are all managed with the therapeutic use of acetaminophen, making acetaminophen essential to the people who need it.”
- Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM)
- “SMFM stands behind our recommendation that acetaminophen use during pregnancy has not been shown to cause or increase the risk of autism or other neurobehavioral problems in children.”
- First Exposure at the University of Toronto
- “It is important to treat fever in pregnancy. Fever in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of birth defects, and other adverse effects. It is recommended to take the lowest effective dose, for the shortest length of time.”
Fever during pregnancy can be harmful. High temperatures, especially early in pregnancy, have been linked to certain complications. Acetaminophen is the safest and most effective way to bring fever down.
Pain relief supports your health. Ongoing pain makes it harder to sleep, eat, and stay active. Managing pain with acetaminophen helps you rest and recover, which supports your baby’s health and yours.
