Mississippi doctors refute Trump’s links between Tylenol and autism

“There is good data, long-term data, on the use of Tylenol in pregnancy that shows it's safe and effective for mom and for baby,” Henderson told MPB.

She said the president’s claims are shaky – even the FDA,in a recent notice, conceded that “a causal relationship has not been established” between acetaminophen and autism.

“There’s not something magically that a parent or a mom can do to prevent autism,” Henderson said. “I also want to make sure moms are hearing this: they are not responsible for their children having autism.”

The problems linking the painkiller with autism are two-fold. First, it’s not causal, with Henderson emphasizing that a host of factors go into an autism diagnosis.

“There are over 100 genes that are implicated or identified with autism,” said Henderson. “The more premature the birth, the more increased risk or increased incidence of autism.”

Secondly, not using Tylenol when needed can actually be dangerous for both expectant mothers and their unborn children.

“High fevers have increased risk of preterm labor, preterm delivery,” said Dr. Lindsey Turner, an OB-GYN in Flowood.

Dr. Katherine Pannel, a psychiatrist and president of the Mississippi State Medical Association, said not taking acetaminophen during a fever can increase the risk of developmental issues.

“It sets up a dangerous precedent for pregnant moms in the future that are worried now to take Tylenol, when we know that high fevers in utero can cause these neurodevelopmental disorders,” she told MPB.

Turner said going for a bottle of Tylenol for minor aches and pains during pregnancy may not be the best choice.

But every doctor that spoke to MPB said that taking the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time possible is safe – and advised in certain circumstances, particularly because acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter drug approved for fevers during pregnancy.  

In a statement from Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney, he added that it’s “reasonable” for women to take acetaminophen in consultation with a physician.

Mississippi is already grappling withlimited healthcare, especially in rural areas, and high rates ofboth infant andmaternal mortality.

Conflicting health information can leave patients confused on who to trust, exacerbating those kinds of existing medical crises.

“What is worrisome is now that these things have come out in the press, it lends itself to have these families to not trust the physician’s advice or evidence-based medicine,” Pannel said.

For parents concerned about their child’s development, Henderson said autism isn’t something that can be prevented, but there are risk factors that can be managed.

“We are screening with better tools, with better modalities, and we are picking up children earlier and earlier,” said Henderson, encouraging parents to take advantage of those screenings.

Certain prenatal vitamins, she added, can also help reduce the risk of developmental issues.

Ultimately, every doctor said the best steps for any questions are to talk to trusted doctor or medical professional.

“Get your information from your healthcare provider,” said Henderson. “Do not look to a politician for medical information.”