Trump’s Claim About Tylenol and Pregnancy: A Fact Check

Former President Donald ​Trump recently stated that there’s “no​ downside” to avoiding ​Tylenol (acetaminophen) during‌ pregnancy. This claim is demonstrably false, according‌ to⁣ leading medical organizations‍ and extensive research.

Medical professionals overwhelmingly agree that ‌untreated​ fevers and pain during pregnancy pose notable risks to both mother and⁤ developing baby. the ​American Collage of Obstetricians and ⁤Gynecologists (ACOG)⁣ issued a statement⁢ in ⁣September 2023, criticizing ⁢the Trump administration’s advice to avoid Tylenol as ⁢a “harmful and ​confusing message.” ACOG President Steven Fleischman emphasized that acetaminophen is “essential” for managing ⁤conditions ⁤like fever, headaches (a sign of preeclampsia), and pain during​ pregnancy.

Untreated fever, particularly ‍in the first ⁤trimester, is linked to an‍ increased risk of miscarriage, birth defects⁢ (including neural tube defects, congenital heart defects, and ⁤oral clefts),⁤ and premature birth. ‍Untreated pain can contribute to maternal depression, anxiety, and high‌ blood pressure. These risks are​ supported by⁢ research dating‌ back over a decade, including a 2014 review in Pediatrics highlighting the potential ​negative impact of maternal⁣ fever on fetal health. The Centers for ⁤Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also acknowledges ⁢a link between ​fever during pregnancy and adverse ⁢outcomes,including birth defects.

MotherToBaby, a⁢ nonprofit providing information on medication ​and ⁢pregnancy, warns that⁤ even a fever-induced increase in body temperature carries risks, including a ‌small chance of birth defects,⁤ and some studies suggest a‍ possible association with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ⁤autism.

While some studies have explored potential ​links⁤ between acetaminophen and ⁢neurodevelopmental‍ disorders, medical ‍organizations maintain that the dangers of untreated fever​ and pain far outweigh these theoretical concerns. Christopher Zahn, ACOG’s chief of ​clinical practise, stated that avoiding ‍treatment when acetaminophen is medically indicated ​is “far more perilous than⁢ theoretical concerns ‌based on inconclusive ⁤reviews of conflicting science.”

Kenvue, the parent company ‍of Tylenol, asserts that acetaminophen is “the safest ⁣pain reliever” option⁢ available during pregnancy. they argue ⁣that avoiding it forces pregnant ⁤women to either endure ⁤perhaps harmful​ conditions or​ risk using⁢ less safe alternatives.

tylenol‍ itself responded to the recent attention by⁢ reiterating ACOG’s position and ‍emphasizing the importance of consulting a healthcare professional. The company’s⁣ message highlighted that‍ a doctor ⁣is best equipped‍ to‍ advise on medication use based on individual health needs.

Our​ Ruling:

Trump’s ⁤claim that there’s “no downside” to avoiding Tylenol during​ pregnancy is ⁤demonstrably false.​ The risks associated with untreated fevers and pain during ⁢pregnancy⁢ are well-documented and significant. Acetaminophen is considered ⁣a safe and frequently ​enough⁢ necessary medication for​ managing these conditions, and avoiding it can pose greater‌ dangers than any theoretical risks associated with the drug itself.

We rate Trump’s statement Pants on ⁣Fire!