Pregnancy pain is common, often dismissed, and rarely easy to manage. At the same time, recent headlines have stirred anxiety by suggesting that acetaminophen (Tylenol) use in pregnancy may be linked to autism. These claims spread quickly online, leaving many parents-to-be with more questions than answers.

In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, host Lauren Lavin talks with Dr. Julie Vignato, assistant professor at the University of Iowa College of Nursing and a leading researcher on pain in pregnancy. Dr. Vignato brings both professional expertise and personal insight as a mother, helping us unpack what the science actually says, where misinformation creeps in, and how healthcare providers and public health communicators can share clearer messages.

Topics discussed include:

-Why pregnancy pain is too often under-treated and misunderstood

-What the evidence shows about acetaminophen and NSAIDs during pregnancy

-How a large Swedish “sibling study” helps rule out Tylenol as a cause of autism

-The role of maternal guilt, stigma, and communication in shaping these conversations

-Practical advice for both pregnant people and healthcare providers navigating pain management

-How to identify trustworthy evidence and avoid misinformation online

Resources mentioned in this episode:

-Swedish sibling study on acetaminophen and autism: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406

-Cochrane Library – Plain language reviews: https://www.cochrane.org/evidence

-Dr. Vignato’s study on OTC pain relievers during pregnancy: https://pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy.lib.uiowa.edu/37365704/

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-tylenol-pain-in-pregnancy/

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