Acetaminophen, also known by the brand name Tylenol, is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications in the world. It’s excellent for reducing fevers, quelling headaches, and calming body aches, but this well-known medication has a dark side: it can lead to serious complications when used by pregnant women.
A growing body of research suggests a strong link between antenatal (before birth) exposure to acetaminophen and numerous issues in children, which we’ll cover today. We’ll also discuss your options for justice should your child develop any of these concerns related to your use of Tylenol during pregnancy.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a spectrum of disorders related to communication and social interaction, which can lead to trouble fitting in at school; it can also lead to behavioral issues, such as meltdowns and aggression. It’s more common in boys than girls by a factor of four to one, though some believe that this disparity in diagnosis is more due to the fact that autistic girls often present different symptoms which are overlooked during testing.
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health noted that exposure to acetaminophen in utero was linked to a higher incidence of both autism spectrum disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder. Even after birth, Tylenol may prove dangerous: a Johns Hopkins University study suggested that taking acetaminophen during the first year of life may make an individual six times more likely to develop autism.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Known more commonly by ADHD, this neurodevelopmental disorder causes problems in three areas of life: concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It makes it difficult for children to control their urges and focus, which can lead to problems with academic achievement and social development. Being fidgety, talking out of turn, and struggling to follow rules are all classic symptoms of ADHD.
An article published in PLoS One found a significant association between Tylenol use during pregnancy and problems with sleep and attention in three-year-olds, which suggests that there may be a link between acetaminophen and neurobehavioral problems.
Birth Defects
Birth defects are abnormalities discovered before, during, or after birth; they can be caused because of drugs, genetics, or birth injuries. Some of the most well-known birth defects are spina bifida, cerebral palsy, cleft lip or palate, and clubfoot.
Tylenol is a known endocrine disruptor, which means that it impacts how hormones are used and delivered throughout the body. As it can pass from the mother into the child during pregnancy, it will also disrupt hormones in the developing fetus, which can cause abnormalities in the child’s reproductive organs and urinary tract.
Harvard Medical School notes that Tylenol use during pregnancy may be associated with reproductive problems for the child, including early puberty in girls and reduced sperm count in boys. It can also lead to undescended testicles in boys or hypospadias, where the tip of the penis is not in the proper location.
Though Harvard states that the risks are low, they still recommend that pregnant women avoid using acetaminophen whenever possible and use only the lowest possible dose for the shortest amount of time.
What Should You Do if Your Child Develops Problems Related to Tylenol Use During Pregnancy?
After consulting with doctors and learning how to best support your child, you should consider legal avenues for compensation.
Many parents have filed lawsuits against distributors of Tylenol for failing to warn pregnant women of the dangers associated with acetaminophen, particularly when it comes to ADHD and autism diagnoses. These lawsuits can help parents receive financial compensation to help pay for their child’s medical needs, such as medications, surgeries, and behavioral therapy to support their development.
Just as importantly, lawsuits such as these will push for better labeling of medications that may be potentially harmful to fetal development, as well as help get the word out that there are risks associated with using Tylenol during pregnancy. Many expecting parents aren’t aware that they may be setting their child up for a lifetime of complications due to seeking pain relief, and this can help inform parents of how to protect their child.
Final Thoughts
If your child has developed complications due to Tylenol use during your pregnancy, know that it’s not your fault: pharmacies and manufacturers have failed to warn you about the risks associated with acetaminophen use. Many doctors still do not acknowledge the potential harm and prescribe it anyway, mostly because it’s cheap and readily available.
You should also know that you have options available to receive justice for these companies’ failures to advise users of the danger, which can help support you and your child. Autism, ADHD, and reproductive problems can all be managed through proper treatment and support, and early intervention can greatly reduce their impacts on a child’s social life and academic achievement. Through self-advocacy and legal avenues, you can help your child have a healthy and productive life no matter their diagnosis.
