If you or someone you care about is pregnant, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard about the concerns regarding Tylenol use during pregnancy. Previously heralded as the gold standard for safe pain relief for pregnant women, Tylenol is now at the center of a lawsuit that alleges the drug increases the likelihood of the development of autism and ADHD in children whose mothers used the pain reliever while pregnant. 

Tylenol, ADHD, and Autism

Many people are surprised to learn about the potential connection between Tylenol, ADHD, and autism. Lawsuits are attempting to prove that the manufacturers of Tylenol may have known about the drug’s dangers to pregnant women and their growing babies.

Several studies have proven that children are more likely to experience ADHD and/or autism when their mothers took Tylenol while they were pregnant. A study from the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that babies exposed to Tylenol in the womb had a 30% increase in ADHD and a 20% increase in autism. 

While most doctors believe that low doses of Tylenol are still safe for pregnant mothers, many women feel devastated that they followed their doctor’s instructions for pain relief which ended up negatively affecting their children.

Alternatives to Tylenol

If you’re pregnant, you know the importance of only taking medications that are safe for your growing baby. The aches and pains that come with pregnancy can make it tough to get through the day. Thankfully, there are alternatives to Tylenol that you can consider if you’re interested in pursuing pain relief. 

Of course, it’s important that you talk with your doctor about the safest pain relief choices for your pregnancy. Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of you or your baby developing health issues. 

Tylenol Alternative #1: Low-dose aspirin

If you’re in need of over the counter pharmaceutical pain relief, your doctor may be comfortable with you using low-dose aspirin to manage daily aches and pains associated with pregnancy. Studies show that daily use of low-dose aspirin may be used to delay the onset of preeclampsia in women who are likely to develop the condition. 

If you’re curious about whether low-dose aspirin is a good fit for your pain management needs during pregnancy, talk with your doctor about whether you’re at risk for preeclampsia, and whether aspirin is the right fit for you. If you find that low-dose aspirin doesn’t give you the relief you’re looking for when it comes to your aches and pains, you may want to combine low-dose aspirin with a holistic type of pain management.

Tylenol Alternative #2: Chiropractic care

Some pregnant women find that chiropractic care can be an alternative to over the counter pain relievers. Spinal adjustments have been widely shown to be safe for pregnant women, and many pregnant women find that having regular chiropractic care can help to alleviate the aches and pains that come with growing a baby. 

A chiropractor who is trained in how their care can support a woman’s pregnancy can work to align the spine, joints, and ligaments in a way that can stabilize the pelvis as the baby grows. An added bonus: some pregnant women find that regular chiropractic care can help to ease the nausea that many experience in the early stages of pregnancy. It’s possible that this is due to chiropractic care’s ability to improve the functions of the nervous system. 

Tylenol Alternative #3: Epsom salt bath

It’s important to be careful with baths when pregnant, as water that is too hot can be harmful to the fetus. You’ll want to keep the water below 100 degrees Fahrenheit (it’s important that you don’t take a bath in water that can raise your body temperature above 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit). 

Many physicians recommend taking Epsom salt baths as an alternative to using painkillers during pregnancy. When you soak in an Epsom salt bath, your body may experience a boost in magnesium, which can be helpful for repairing the body’s tissues, regulating blood sugar, and relieving cramps. Epsom salt baths can also reduce swelling, which can help to relieve some of the pains some women experience later in their pregnancy.

The Tylenol Lawsuit

At the end of 2022, Tylenol lawsuits were moving through the consolidation phase. The consolidation phase is one of the early parts of a lawsuit, in which lawyers work to file against defendants (in this case, large distributors of Tylenol). 

Currently, the lawsuit against Tylenol has been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation, or an MDL. When a lawsuit is categorized as an MDL, it’s usually an indication that additional lawsuits are to come. The formation of an MDL makes it easier for lawyers to manage claims, and can help to ensure that plaintiffs get consistent treatment across the board.

Was Your Child Diagnosed with Autism and/or ADHD After You Took Tylenol During Pregnancy?

It can be extremely upsetting to think that a medication widely regarded as safe for use during pregnancy could have caused harm to your child before they were born. If your child has been diagnosed with autism or ADHD after you used Tylenol during your pregnancy, you may have a case that could lead to financial compensation. 

You don’t have to try to figure this out on your own. We’re here to help. Reach out to us today to talk with one of our Tylenol lawsuit advocates for a free case evaluation.