Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Statement: Acetaminophen use during pregnancy

Acetaminophen has long been considered safe to use during pregnancy. A growing body of cohort studies and meta-analyses has explored the potential association between prenatal acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. Although some studies report modestly increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in children exposed to acetaminophen prenatally, these findings must be interpreted with caution, given the inherent limitations of observational studies that may significantly affect the validity of the observed associations. While advanced statistical methods can help reduce bias, they cannot fully account for unmeasured or familial confounding. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine continues to advise that acetaminophen is the recommended first-line medication for the treatment of pain and fever during pregnancy.