Protecting Your Baby’s Health: The Truth About Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of great joy and excitement. However, for many women, it’s also the first time they’ve had to take medication for any reason other than an injury or illness. But these medications, known as prescription drugs, can have critical consequences for your baby. That’s why it’s important to know what you’re putting into your body and what you’re taking out of it.

Acetaminophen is among these, which can have great consequences on young ones if you take this drug to manage your pain during pregnancy. According to Harvard Medical College, some 65% of pregnant women in the US take acetaminophen to manage their aches and pain.

However, a group of doctors and scientists have urged to increase caution over the use of this drug. Here are a few scary truths about using acetaminophen during pregnancy:

1. ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder

ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder are neurological disorders that affect millions of children and adults. These disorders are characterized by impairments in executive functioning, the ability to plan, organize, pay attention to details, and complete tasks.

They also include difficulty understanding social cues and communicating effectively with others. As a result of these impairments, those who suffer from ADHD or ASD often have trouble completing schoolwork and maintaining friendships.

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol and many other over-the-counter pain relievers. Unfortunately, acetaminophen has been linked to several serious health risks during pregnancy, including ASD and ADHD.

According to studies published in journals of Plos One, prenatal exposure to acetaminophen is one of the reasons behind neurobehavioral problems in children, like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders. While these studies are new, there’s no doubt that you should avoid using acetaminophen during your pregnancy.

The risk of using acetaminophen during pregnancy is significant enough that it may be worth your time to talk with your doctor about alternatives for managing your aches and pains. When taken during pregnancy, acetaminophen can cause birth defects and miscarriages. It can also cause liver damage when used for extended periods.

When people suffer from ADHD/ASD due to another party’s negligence, such as a drug manufacturer’s failure to adequately test, they may have legal recourse through an attorney.

Suppose you have taken acetaminophen during pregnancy, and your child suffered from ADHD or ASD over time. In that case, you may be eligible to file an acetaminophen lawsuit against the drug manufacturer.

2. Smaller than Average Babies

It’s important to know that acetaminophen use during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of having a smaller-than-average baby. Smaller than average babies are called “growth-restricted” or “low birth weight” (LBW). As a result, they may be born early, which increases their risk for health problems later in life.

The babies born in the US have an average birth weight of 7 -7.5 pounds, as per What to Expect, and those below 5 pounds and 8 ounces are considered low birth weight. Babies who weigh less than 5 pounds 8 ounces at birth have an increased chance of having physical and mental disabilities and also learning difficulties.

Several other health problems can also occur due to LBW, including:

• Growth restriction
• Premature rupture of membranes

3. Infant Heart Defects

A heart defect is one of the most common birth defects in the United States. They can lead to death if untreated, and they may cause lifelong health problems. For example, infants with heart defects have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes later in life.

As you can see, acetaminophen use during pregnancy is not without risks, and it’s important to take steps to reduce these risks by using other pain relievers instead of this drug when possible.

If pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking any acetaminophen-containing medications.

4. Language Delays in Infants

You should be concerned if your child isn’t progressing as they should. While this can signal that something more critical is lying inside, it’s necessary to know that language delays can also be caused by other factors like developmental disorders or hearing loss.

Language delays can often be treated with therapy and speech therapy sessions. However, if your child is showing signs of having trouble with their speech, it’s always best to consult a doctor for advice on what course of action would work best.

If you’re still concerned about the possibility of autism in your child, it’s important to know that there are plenty of other symptoms to look out for. In addition to language delays, other common symptoms include social awkwardness and difficulty interacting with others. If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s probably time to get them checked out by a medical professional.

5. Childhood Asthma

As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want them to grow up healthy and happy, with lots of opportunity and as few bumps in the road as possible. But what if there’s something you’re doing now, something you’ve been doing for years, that could be causing your child’s asthma?

Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter pain medication that most of us have taken at some point. It’s found in Tylenol and many other drugs, from cold pills to muscle relaxants. However, most people don’t realize that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy can increase your child’s risk for asthma.

The researchers found that exposure to acetaminophen may be a risk factor for asthma. For example, mothers who took acetaminophen during pregnancy had twice as much risk of having children with asthma as those who didn’t take any medications while pregnant.

6. Reye Syndrome

If you have a family history of Reye syndrome, your doctor may recommend avoiding acetaminophen during pregnancy. But for most women and their babies, the benefits of using acetaminophen outweigh the risk.

The link between Reye syndrome and acetaminophen use during pregnancy has not been proven by research. However, some studies suggest that frequent use of more than four times per week during early pregnancy may increase your baby’s risk of developing this condition later in life.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using acetaminophen during pregnancy. Your doctor may advise against using this medication if you have liver damage or take certain medications that can cause liver problems.

Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Is Best Avoided

Although acetaminophen is found in many over-the-counter medications, it can cause serious health problems for the baby. Avoid taking this medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you have been told to take acetaminophen, talk with your healthcare provider before taking it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

It’s safe to take in small doses and under the supervision of your doctor. However, discontinue use immediately if you take more than four pills per day or longer than two weeks without consulting your physician.