CAMBRIDGE, Mass. \u2014 Researchers at Harvard University say they appreciate the interest in their study on autism from the White House, and while more research needs to be done, they say use caution if you do need to take Tylenol while pregnant.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we do know about the causes of autism are that genetics play a very significant role and we don\u2019t know what the impact, the interaction between Tylenol and the genetics might be,\u201d said Helen Tager-Flusberg, director of the Center for Autism Research Excellence at Boston University.<\/p>\n
Researchers at both Boston University and Harvard agree more studies need to be conducted on the possible links between Tylenol use and autism.<\/p>\n
President Trump is now urging women to not take Tylenol while pregnant.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll be uncomfortable, it won\u2019t be as easy maybe, but don\u2019t take it, if you\u2019re pregnant don\u2019t take Tylenol and don\u2019t give it to the baby after the baby is born,\u201d said Trump.<\/p>\n
Trump\u2019s administration referenced a study by Harvard that shows a potential association between taking Tylenol while pregnant and babies born with autism.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Harvard says, \u201cThis association is strongest when acetaminophen is taken for four weeks or longer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFurther research is needed to confirm the association and determine causality, but based on existing evidence, I believe that caution about acetaminophen use during pregnancy\u2014especially heavy or prolonged use\u2014is warranted,\u201d said Dr. Andrea Baccarelli, Dean of the Faculty at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would ask myself should I be listening to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, neither of whom are physicians or have conducted the research, or should I turn to my physician?\u201d said Tager-Flusberg.<\/p>\n
Tager-Flusberg says pregnant women and parents of kids with autism should still consult their doctors on what to do since a high fever does pose a risk for a woman and her fetus, so in some cases Tylenol may be necessary.<\/p>\n
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