Trump‘s Advice too ‘Tough It Out’ During Pregnancy Draws Criticism From Doctors
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump recently suggested pregnant individuals experiencing pain or fever should “tough it out,” a statement that has sparked concern and pushback from medical professionals. Experts emphasize the importance of seeking medical attention for fevers and pain during pregnancy and following established medical guidance for treatment.
A large meta-analysis published in the peer-reviewed journal Molecular Autism in 2021 analyzed studies involving over 10,000 children and provided further evidence linking maternal fever during pregnancy to neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Research also suggests a possible association between fevers and neural tube defects, which can impact a fetus’s brain, spine, or spinal cord during the first month of pregnancy, according to Dr. Laura Gabard-Durnam.
“If a pregnant person experiences pain or a fever, the first thing they should do is contact thier medical provider to rule out more serious health conditions like preeclampsia,” said Dr. caitlin Baptiste, a maternal-fetal medicine physician and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University.
Following consultation with a doctor, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is considered the best medical option for treating fevers and headaches during pregnancy, Baptiste added. “We don’t have answers as to why we have children with autism and neurodevelopmental delays … and that’s always scary as parents so I understand why researchers and our administration is trying to come up with answers,” baptiste said. “But Tylenol does not seem to be that answer.”
Nonmedical options for managing headaches include staying hydrated, resting in a dark and quiet room, and relaxation techniques, Baptiste suggested.
Addressing concerns stemming from Trump’s comments, Baptiste urged parents who took Tylenol during pregnancy not to add it “to the long list of worries and second-guessing that we experience as parents.” She recommends parents discuss any concerns with their child’s pediatrician and consider potential testing if needed.
Gabard-Durnam, who also took Tylenol during her pregnancy to treat migraines, echoed this sentiment. “This is not the time to look backwards and have any more mom guilt than we already frequently enough have. This is not the moment to regurgitate the tired story of blaming the mom,” she said. “If you followed the guidance of your doctors… you’re doing the best for yourself and your child.”
Recent scrutiny has also been directed toward Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, regarding claims linking the medication to autism, as reported by USA Today.
