Can I Take Acetaminophen During Pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, you may have questions about which medications are safe to take. Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol®, is commonly used for pain and fever. Recently, media reports have raised concerns about a possible link between acetaminophen and autism. It is important to know that health experts continue to consider acetaminophen safe when used as recommended. It is always best to talk with your health care provider before taking any medication. 

Taking medication during pregnancy 

During pregnancy, your health care provider will weigh the benefits and risks before recommending any medication. This helps protect both you and your baby. In Canada, medications are studied carefully for safety and assigned a risk rating to help guide these decisions. Your provider can help you decide which medications are necessary and safe for your specific needs. 

What the experts say about acetaminophen 

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) confirms that acetaminophen can be used safely for pain and fever during pregnancy when taken at the recommended dose for the shortest time needed. While a few studies have suggested a weak connection with autism, the current evidence does not prove a link, especially when acetaminophen is used occasionally and at recommended doses. Health organizations around the world continue to support its safe use during pregnancy.  

For more detailed guidance, the Canadian Pharmacists Association has developed this resource on acetaminophen use in pregnancy. 

How to use acetaminophen safely 

If your health care provider advises acetaminophen, the SOGC recommends using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible: 

• 325 to 650 milligrams every four to six hours as needed 

• Limit use to three to five days in a row 

• Contact your physician if symptoms do not improve 

Before taking any medication during pregnancy, speak with your health care provider. They can help make sure the medication you take is necessary and safe for you and your baby. 

How ASEBP helps

In addition to health services and medication coverage, ASEBP offers free supports to help you manage your health and wellness. Through Ask Our Pharmacist, you can submit questions about your health and medications and receive personalized responses from ASEBP’s pharmacist, confidentially and on your own schedule. 

With this service, you can: 

• Understand what may be covered under your plan—while ASEBP does not cover over-the-counter medications that are not on the life-sustaining exceptions list, they can be submitted through your Wellness Spending Account (WSA). 

• Avoid unnecessary appointments or confusion when managing common symptoms. 

• Make informed, confident decisions about your health. 

While not a replacement for medical care, Ask Our Pharmacist provides trusted guidance to help bridge the gap when timely access to a health care provider is challenging. 

Visit the Ask Our Pharmacist webpage to submit your questions. 

The information provided in this article is for personal use, reference, and education only. ASEBP does not provide medical advice. Before starting any medication or product, you should always consult with your pharmacist, physician, nurse practitioner, or call Alberta Health Link at 811.