The statement below is a message from ACOG  (The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists)

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On September 22nd, government officials made contradictory and concerning statements regarding an unsubstantiated link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism. The FDA announced it would start the process for a label change for acetaminophen and issued a letter alerting physicians to minimize its use in pregnancy.

ACOG released a statement reaffirming that our guidance has not changed. Evidence shows that acetaminophen remains the safe, trusted option for pain relief and treatment of headache and fever during pregnancy. We also shared an FAQ document to help the public understand the facts around acetaminophen use in pregnancy.

To support you in providing the best possible care to your patients, we developed a Practice Advisory summarizing the research on acetaminophen safety during pregnancy and outlining considerations for clinical practice—including reassuring patients about the drug’s safety when appropriate and counselling on the risks and benefits of its use.

We have also released an Ask ACOG on acetaminophen in pregnancy. Share this easy-to-read, accessible resource with your patients to help them understand the facts around acetaminophen and feel confident in making decisions with their ob-gyn.

For more on ACOG’s response, read the message to members sent by ACOG President Steven J. Fleischman, MD, MBA, FACOG, and ACOG CEO Sandra E. Brooks, MD, MBA, FACOG.