Pregnant women who are worried about the possible connection between Tylenol usage and autism should discuss their concerns with their doctors, two medical professionals advised on Friday as the debate resurfaced.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to issue a report linking the consumption of acetaminophen during pregnancy to autism in children. Although this conclusion has been suggested in earlier studies, former CDC Director Tom Frieden stated it’s not proven science.

“It’s a possibility,” commented Frieden, who is currently the president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives. “This is a complicated issue because other painkillers are indeed unsafe during certain stages of pregnancy. Furthermore, pain is detrimental to a developing fetus as well.”

His advice: “You really have to consult with your obstetrician.”

‘I don’t want them to be scared’: Doctor on pregnant women

Dr. Mahsa Tehrani, a board-certified rheumatologist, offered similar guidance and warned pregnant women against avoiding medicines altogether.

“I don’t want them to be frightened. If a pregnant woman has a fever, it absolutely needs to be treated,” she mentioned. “This is where shared decision-making is crucial. We know that high fevers can lead to birth defects and increase miscarriage risks. Thus, discussing this with obstetricians and gynecologists is essential.”

Painkillers with acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, are taken by roughly half of pregnant women.

Kenvue, the parent company of Tylenol’s manufacturer, joined the discussion on Friday, stating, “Nothing is more vital to us than the well-being and safety of those using our products. We have consistently reviewed the scientific data and continue to believe there is no causal relationship between acetaminophen usage during pregnancy and autism.”

Researcher focuses on final phase of pregnancy

Dr. William Parker, CEO of WPLab, has researched acetaminophen’s impact on brain development. Parker states that his findings indicate “acetaminophen is likely the most risky for neurodevelopment” during the peripartum period, the time surrounding childbirth.

He said he has studied the potential link between acetaminophen use and autism, ADHD and developmental delays in children.

“The lowest hanging fruit is obstetrics,” he said. “If you’re getting a C-section, Tylenol doesn’t do any good, but it’s still on protocols, and that’s where the heaviest associations are.”

Kennedy’s report was also expected to cite folate deficiency as a cause for autism.