Tylenol is the #1 most recommended over-the-counter pain reliever during pregnancy. Yet, what healthcare professionals are failing to mention, are their potential side effects.
Science is now showing that taking Tylenol while pregnant may interfere with fetal development. In turn, this may increase the risks of neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems, along with reproductive and urogenital disorders.
What is Acetametophine?
Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in over 600 medications, including Tylenol. These drugs are often used to reduce fever and relieve mild or moderate pain.
The use of acetaminophen is increasing worldwide. It’s also the leading cause of liver failure in children and adults in the Western world.
Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity (liver damage caused by the chemicals in medications) is a global issue. It’s especially problematic in the United States. It’s reported that over 60 million Americans consume acetaminophen on a weekly basis. And around 30,000 Americans are admitted to a hospital for treatment of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity every year.
I was one of those people that took Tylenol without a second thought. However, I became suspicious of Tylenol after watching a commercial during my teens. After advocating the drug, they quickly listed potential side effects. Vomitting and liver failure sounded particularly unappealing to me.
According to the National Institute of Medicine, “it accounts for more than 50% of overdose-related acute liver failure and approximately 20% of the liver transplant cases.” (1)
As an added twist, Nature Reviews Endocrinology states studies show that the amount of migraines a person has can be decreased by reducing the use of acetaminophen. Go figure.
Tylenol While Pregnant
It’s estimated that more than 65 percent of pregnant women in the United States use acetaminophen containing drugs. More than 50 percent of pregnant woman use it worldwide. (2)
During pregnancy, acetaminophen metabolism changes, and might cause women and their babies to be more vulnerable to toxic effects. The chemicals may also disrupt the endocrine system, which in turn can interfere with endogenous hormones essential for healthy urogenital, neurological, and reproductive development.
Another concerning issue is that acetaminophen is known to cross the placenta and blood-brain barrier. Not only that, but studies show that exposure to acetaminophen might induce placental damage. An occurrence that’s already far more problematic than it should be.
Increasing clinical evidence is also showing that acetaminophen during the 3rd trimester is inhibiting prostaglandin signaling. Prostaglandin signaling regulates the physical and pathological processes. They also play an essential role in embryo development, organ formation, and ciliogenesis.
When the prostaglandin signaling is interrupted, it can also lead to ductus arteriosus constriction. This condition is may result in fetal loss or life-threatening cardiac failure in newborns.
Is Tylenol Safe When Pregnant?
The FDA and EMA consider Tylenol safe during all 3 trimesters of pregnancy when taken correctly. They believe that there isn’t enough studies to confirm that acetaminophen causes any congenital birth defects, and therefore should not be withheld from those in extreme need.
The FDA states consumption of Tylenol under 3000mg “generally does not yield any toxic effects.” (3)
Yet scientists are beginning to speak out.
“A so-called ‘therapeutic misadventure’ phenomenon, as coined by Zimmerman et al., is becoming increasingly acknowledged, as some patients have presented with acute liver failure despite consumption of ‘safe’ doses of APAP.” (1)
What the Science Reveals About Acetaminophen
Studies are constantly being done on acetaminophen during pregnancy. And an increasing amount of evidence is suggesting that exposure to acetaminophen disrupts human and animal reproductive development in both males and females.
Urogenital and Reproductive Abnormalities
11 studies containing 130,000 mother-child pairs from across the world were conducted on acetaminophen exposure and its link to urogenital and reproductive abnormalities.
5 of these studies suggested that prenatal acetaminophen exposure increases the risk of undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) and anogenital distance (AGD). AGD is the distance between the base of the penis and the anus. Which in turn is an indicator of the degree of normal development of the genitals.
AGD and cryptorchidism are risk factors for reproductive disorders later in life. (2)
Another study shows that there’s a link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and early puberty in females.
Nature Reviews Endocrinology says
“Inconsistencies between studies are probably due to differences in assessment methodologies of exposure and outcomes.”
Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Disorders
Epidemiological studies are consistently showing that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen increases the risk of neurodevelopment and behavioral disorder, such as language delay (in girls), autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and decreased IQ. (1)
29 observational studies were conducted on acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental outcome. They included over 220,000 mother-child pairs from across the world.
26 of these studies showed a positive association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders. Mainly ADHD, but also autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, decreases executive function (necessary for cognitive control of behavior), decreased IQ, language delays, conduct disorders, and oppositional-defiant disorders (difficulty with self-control and regulating emotions).
Rising Concerns Over Tylenol Use During Pregnancy
The US National Health Interview Survey reported that approximately 1 in 6 children between the age of 3 and 17 have a diagnosed developmental disability. This is a 9.5 percent increase in the overall rate of developmental disabilities between the years 2009-2011 and 2015-2017. (2)
Ann Bauer states:
“As scientists, medical experts and public health professionals, we are concerned about increasing rates of neurological, urogenital and reproductive disorders. We are witnessing disturbing increases in the number of children with cognitive, learning and/or behavioural problems.”
They believe that the developing brain in utero is especially vulnerable to toxic chemicals. If an unborn baby is exposed to certain chemicals they can experience permanent brain injury. Even when the exposure is low.
Scientists’ Recommendation
Based on their research, scientists are advising that pregnant women take precautionary action with Tylenol.
They believe that all drugs containing acetaminophen should have warning labels for use while pregnant. In an ideal world, acetaminophen should only be sold from pharmacies. As it’s handled in France, Spain, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.
How Much Tylenol Can I Take While Pregnant?
The Food and Drug Administration recommends pregnant women in dire need of pain relief take the least amount of Tylenol for the shortest period possible. Pregnant women should take no more than 3000 mg of Tylenol in a 24 hour time period.
For Extra Strength Tylenol, that means 2 pills every 8 hours.
And while Tylenol PM is not recommended, the suggested dosage is 2 capsules before bed. Keep in mind that Tylenol PM does include diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) and taking too much can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.
However, if you’re taking Tylenol and pregnant, lower dosages than the recommended are in the best interest of you and your baby.
As always, it’s recommended that you always speak to your healthcare provider before taking Tylenol while pregnant.
Alternative Pain Relief
Many healthcare professionals and agencies claim that Tylenol is one of the only medications safe during pregnancy.
They fail to mention that there are other ways to find relief besides pharmaceuticals.
Chiropractor- Chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to relieve pain during pregnancy. As our bodies grow, they often get out of alignment.
An adjustment can greatly help with back pain, headaches, and hip and pelvic discomfort.
Magnesium- Magnesium plays a vital role in the daily function of our bodies. It’s known for reducing inflammation and allowing your muscles to relax.
It also helps with blood flow. This makes it great for relieving headaches.
Two amazing ways to impliment magnesium in your daily routine is with Calm and magnesium bath salts.
Stretching- You may be surprised at how important stretching is for relieving pain.
Stretching improves blood flow and circulation. This allows the body to remove waste byproducts that cause inflammation.
It can also relieve compression on the spine which in turn helps with neck and shoulder pain.
Think About It
With all the knowledge you’ve obtained, difficult questions need to be addressed. Is Tylenol really safe when pregnant? And is the temporary relief worth the potential risks of long lasting side effects to the baby?
It’s time women weigh the benefits and the risks based off their own knowledge on the topic. Blindly following someone, even a well-educated doctor, is never the best course of action.