A recent study from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health found no statistically significant link between taking Acetaminophen during pregnancy and negative birth outcomes. Published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the research examined data from the National Institutes of Health’s Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program and focused on gestational age, birth weight, and size categories.

The analysis included more than 8,900 mother‑infant pairs, with 59% of mothers reporting acetaminophen use at some point during pregnancy. Researchers evaluated four key indicators: preterm birth, birth weight, small‑for‑gestational‑age (SGA), and large‑for‑gestational‑age (LGA).

Findings revealed no association with preterm birth, birth weight, or SGA, but acetaminophen use was linked to lower odds of LGA. The authors emphasize that these results provide reassurance for pregnant people who use acetaminophen as directed, though they call for additional research on dosing, timing, and other possible effects.

While typical acetaminophen use during pregnancy did not appear to raise birth risks in this study, clinicians advise discussing any medication with a provider. The full study is available online through UNC’s communications team.