By Nidhi Srivastava

Copyright medicaldialogues

The recent announcement by US President Donald Trump’s in a video has created shockwaves claim that using acetaminophen (Tylenol/Paracetamol) during pregnancy may cause autism. While this statement appears alongside recent FDA statement on label change on acetaminophen, the claim itself is misleading and exaggerated. Current scientific evidence does not establish a direct causal link, and presenting it as such risks spreading unnecessary fear among the public.ClaimIn a recent video, US President Donald Trump said that pregnant women should not take paracetamol. He goes on to add it should also not be given to children. In the video he says, “First, effective immediately, the FDA will be notifying physicians at the use of well, let’s see how we say that. Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen. Is that okay?which is basically commonly known as Tylenol during pregnancy can be associated with a very increased risk of autism. So taking Tylenol is uh not good. All right, I’ll say it. It’s not good.For this reason, they are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary. That’s for instance in cases of extremely high fever. That you feel you can’t tough it out, you can’t do it. I guess there’s that. It’s a small number of cases, I think. But if you can’t tough it out, if you can’t do it, that’s what you’re going to have to do.You’ll take a tylenol, but it’ll be very sparingly. Can be something that’s very dangerous to the woman’s health. In other words, a fever that’s very very dangerous and ideally a doctor’s decision because I think you shouldn’t take it and you shouldn’t take it during the entire pregnancy. They may tell you that toward the end of the pregnancy, you shouldn’t take it during the entire and you shouldn’t give the child a Tylenol every time he goes. He’s born and he goes and has a shot.You shouldn’t give a Tylenol to that child. All pregnant women should talk to their doctors for more more information about limiting the use of this medication while pregnant. So ideally, you don’t take it at all, but if you have to if you can’t tough it out or if there’s a problem, you’re going to end up doing it. The other thing that I can tell you that I’ll say that they will maybe say at a little bit later date. But I think when you go for the shot, you do it over a five-time period.”The video can be accessed here and HereFact CheckThe claim by the user is MISLEADING, as current scientific evidence remains inconclusive and does not confirm any direct causal relationship between consumption of paracetamol in pregnancy and autism in chidlren . While the FDA has issued guidance on cautious use it also itself specifies about the documented side effects of other options such as aspirin and ibuprofen adding that that acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter drug approved for use to treat fevers during pregnancy.The claims made in the US President’s speech exaggerate the risk misrepresenting the actual scientific consensus and may lead to public confusion.What is Pregnancy?Pregnancy is the stage when a fetus grows inside a woman’s uterus, lasting about 40 weeks and divided into three trimesters. It begins with conception, when a sperm fertilizes an egg, creating a zygote that attaches to the uterine lining. During the second trimester (weeks 13–28), fetal movements are typically felt by week 20, and by week 24, unique fingerprints have formed. By week 28, premature babies have a 92% chance of survival, though health risks remain. In the third trimester (weeks 29–40), the baby’s bones are nearly developed by week 32, and infants born at full term (weeks 39–40) generally experience the best health outcomes. Babies born between weeks 37–38 are classified as “early term,” while those delivered after week 42 are considered “post-term.”What is Autism?Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), encompasses a wide variety of conditions that involve difficulties with social interaction, repetitive patterns of behavior, as well as challenges in speech and nonverbal communication. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that autism currently affects about 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States.The experiences and capabilities of individuals with autism differ greatly. While some are able to live independently, others may need lifelong care and support. Autism can have a substantial impact on access to education and employment, and it often places significant responsibilities on families and caregivers. Quality of life is also shaped by societal perceptions and the degree of assistance provided by both local and national systems.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many people with autism experience additional conditions such as epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They may also exhibit challenging behaviors, including sleep difficulties and self-injury. Intellectual abilities within the…