Can You Take Tylenol While Pregnant?

Pregnancy can be a truly joyful and exciting time, but it can also bring along some pretty irritating aches and pains. Things like relentless backaches to pelvic pain to swollen ankles are all too common in the pregnancy experience, especially in your third trimester.

And if, like many others who are pregnant, you're paying closer attention to how the things you eat and drink can affect your baby, you might be wondering how pain medication fits in—and whether you can take anything to help with the ever-growing list of ways your body seems to be screaming at you.

The good news is that you can take something. Acetaminophen (the generic name for Tylenol) is the go-to painkiller and fever reducer for pregnancy, and here's everything you need to know about why it's considered safe and how to manage your doses.

Can I take Tylenol while pregnant?

Short answer: yes.

If you're concerned about whether acetaminophen may affect your baby's development, including a potential link to autism, rest assured that current research does not support those claims. “Science is always evolving, and we keep reevaluating new findings, but at this point the evidence does not show that Tylenol causes autism," says family physician Dr. Max Goldstein. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the leading organization of ob-gyns in the US, has rejected any claims linking acetaminophen to autism, and Dr. Max says the ACOG continues to affirm that acetaminophen is still a safe and appropriate pain relief option for pregnancy based on decades of research.

You may have also heard about the statement published in Nature in 2021 that claimed Tylenol might adversely affect fetal development, which ACOG has also strongly rejected.

The main thing that doctors want you to keep in mind is that there are proven risks associated with having a high fever during pregnancy. “Untreated fever in pregnancy has been associated in some studies with potential complications for the developing baby," Dr. Max says. "When the choice is between letting a fever climb or using Tylenol, doctors and researchers overwhelmingly recommend treatment.” So don't let your fever stick around, and when in doubt, call your doctor.

Also important is understanding the cause of your fever, since leaving infections or other illnesses untreated can also potentially harm your baby, says Dr. Ashley Hedge, ob-gyn and Chief Medical Officer at Yuzi Care, a postpartum retreat in Seattle. "For instance, if a fever is due to influenza, urinary tract infection or even a blood clot, it can be imperative to start treatment for these right away." And if you're not sure what's causing your fever, Dr. Hedge advises you to check in with your doctor.

If you're looking for headache or pain relief, not taking Tylenol in that instance isn't going to have the same effect as if you had a fever. "If someone prefers to avoid Tylenol, you could consider caffeine—like a cup of coffee or tea," Dr. Hedge says. In fact, there are plenty of ways to relieve pregnancy-related aches without taking medication (which we'll get into a little further down).

How much Tylenol can I take while pregnant?

Talk to your doctor first, but in most cases, you can take the recommended adult dosage of regular-strength Tylenol while you're pregnant. But if your pain or fever doesn't totally subside, "be aware that the manufacturer of Tylenol recommends a maximum exposure of 3-3.25g of acetaminophen in one day," Dr. Hedge says.

If you're taking anything other than regular Tylenol—like if you're taking Tylenol Extra Strength, for example—the math is going to be a little different, but it's still extremely important to follow the dosage information provided by the manufacturer.

Also consider why you're taking the Tylenol. Is it for a very minor ache that might go away in an hour or so, or that might be helped by a little bit of stretching? Since Tylenol is considered safe for pregnancy in moderation, you shouldn't grab it for every small twinge (since there are a lot during pregnancy). But can be a safe option if your pain is moderate and consistently bothersome, or if you have a fever.

What about Tylenol PM?

Tylenol PM is actually a combination of two drugs: acetaminophen and diphenhydramine (the antihistamine that's in things like Benadryl). Both drugs are considered safe for short-term, occasional, provider-approved use while pregnant. Just be sure to stick to the suggested dosage given by your doctor, and keep in mind that long term use isn't recommended for anyone.

If you’re having a lot of trouble sleeping or experiencing frequent insomnia, Tylenol PM may not be the best choice. Talk with your healthcare provider to find the most pregnancy-friendly ways of helping you get the rest you need.

How to relieve pregnancy pain without medication

Two of the most common complaints during pregnancy are headaches and back pain (along with round ligament pain). "Body aches are more common during later pregnancy and can be treated with massage or Tylenol, if needed. For body aches, the most important thing is to try to prevent them by staying active and eating a healthy, balanced diet when you can," says Dr. Sarah Yamaguchi, an LA-based ob-gyn.

For a preventative approach to pregnancy pains, consider trying these natural ways to ease discomfort:

• Stretches or prenatal yoga: Gentle exercises release tension and strengthen the muscles that support your baby bump, helping to relieve back pain. The focus on deep breathing in yoga can also help reduce tension headaches.

• Meditation: Practicing regular meditation—even if it’s just for a few minutes a day—can lower your stress level and reduce the pain and frequency of headaches. Getting an app like Expectful (a pregnancy-specific meditation app), Calm or Headspace can help make it easy to do. Similarly, acupuncture during pregnancy may also help.

• Hot or cold packs: Hot packs can relieve pain from sinus headaches as well as general muscle aches, while cold packs may work better for tension headaches.

• Prenatal massage: This form of massage for pregnancy relaxes tight muscles and can lower stress levels, which can be helpful for many pregnancy aches and pains.

• Belly belts: Maternity belts help support your baby bump and take pressure off your back and hips.

• Water: Dehydration can sometimes cause headaches. Be sure to drink lots of water and snack on foods high in water content, like watermelon, cucumbers and celery.

• Body pillows: Using a pregnancy pillow between your legs when you lie on your side reduces pressure on the lower back. Many people also use pillows to cushion their baby bump or put it behind their backs for extra support when they sleep.

These home remedies for pain relief can be a big help. But if you’re experiencing severe or frequent pain or have a fever, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider right away. They can provide pain relief suggestions and guidance on over-the-counter medications, and be sure that what you’re experiencing isn’t part of a bigger issue. Plus, being reassured by your doctor that everything you’re doing is safe for your growing baby relieves stress, too.

This article was reviewed for factual accuracy in February 2023 by Dr. Malavika Prabhu, maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Harvard Medical School and member of the Babylist Health Advisory Board.