Self-Blame and Panic Has Set in Among Our Pregnant Patients

In this MedPage Today opinion piece, my colleagues Dr. Lucy Hutner, Dr. Parvaneh Nouri, and I discuss the growing fear, guilt, and self-blame many pregnant patients are feeling after recent claims linking Tylenol (acetaminophen) use in pregnancy to autism. While some studies have shown a correlation between acetaminophen use and autism, these findings do not prove causation, and sibling-controlled studies have found that this association disappears once other confounding factors are accounted for. We emphasize the importance of balancing potential medication risks with the very real risks of untreated medical or mental health conditions. Our goal is to help patients separate fact from fear, engage in collaborative decision-making, and understand that supporting the health of the parent, baby, and family requires thoughtful balance.

Read the full article on MedPage Today here.