Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, has been taken for years to relieve pain and fevers. Recently, the Health and Human Services Secretary and our president revealed that there is a link between the drug and autism. While there are many theories as to why we have so many people now being diagnosed with Autism or being on the spectrum of autism disorders, Acetomenophen has never been one of them until recently. The drug can cause liver damage with long-term usage and has other side effects, as mentioned on Medline. Many obstetricians try to keep their patients free of drugs to avoid problems from side effects, and while Acetomenophen has been widely used since the 1950s and was originally formulated in the late 1800s, according to ACS.org. The current discussion of Acetaminophen’s links to autism, as discussed by Kennedy and Trump, is bold. Still, the correlations are weak or refuted in other studies, such as the one performed in Sweden in 2024, which spanned 25 years. Harvard researcher Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD, was cited as a major source, mainly because his paper suggested there was a link between the drug, pregnancy, and Autism. He was paid for his services, and this has created some questions about his credibility. On the other hand, his motivations may have been pure. Science and the opinions derived from it are constantly changing. Genetics may provide stronger links that are not fully understood yet, and there may be things in our food supply that are also linked to the disorder. The drug Leucovorin, which is currently used to treat cancer and anemia patients, can help children with autism improve their verbal communication. But they emphasized in the opinion piece that the drug “is not a cure for autism,” according to Politico. The drug is known to improve patients with cerebral folate deficiency (CFD), a neurological condition that affects folate (a vitamin essential for brain health) transport into the brain. Individuals with cerebral folate deficiency have been observed to have developmental delays with autistic features (e.g., challenges with social communication, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors), seizures, and problems with movement and coordination. Folate is regularly given to pregnant women to help neurological development in their developing baby. My son is on the spectrum and is highly functioning, working, and a productive member of society, so I understand the frustration with the disorder, but all drugs have side effects and cumulatively may damage our joints as we ignore the problems we feel using medications to reduce pain. Our patients regularly hear me tell them that medications do not fix mechanical problems. During pregnancy and before becoming pregnant, patients are always told to have their mechanical problems taken care of before becoming pregnant or during the earliest stages of their pregnancy. Chiropractic care offers a safe, low-risk approach to musculoskeletal health and function that can be helpful in pregnancy and beyond. Poor body mechanics will lead to painful problems in the back and upper body during your pregnancy, during delivery, which requires a strong and efficient core, and afterward. About a quarter of all women also have a C-section for numerous reasons, which can cause post-pregnancy problems due to active scars. Improved physical conditioning and core function may make your delivery easier and more likely to help you avoid a C-section. Think of this as being proactive rather than reactive once it is time to deliver naturally and successfully. Personally, I avoid drugs for most painful problems, although they do have a place, but they should not be a common way to reduce pain. Often, better self-care results in improved function and a less painful body. Years later, your health span will be longer, and you will experience less joint damage, better abilities to move, and better fitness by staying active and fit. Avoiding most medications is a lifestyle choice. So is fitness. There is no free lunch, but to avoid the risk of autism from Acetomenaphen is easier when you avoid drugs altogether. Instead of pain relievers, think chiropractic care before, during, and after your pregnancy to help you feel and function your best. Need help today? Book online.