Our Chief Medical Officer Weighs in on Medication While Pregnant

Can You Take Tylenol While Pregnant?

Pregnancy can bring along irritating aches and pains like backaches, pelvic pain, and swollen ankles, especially in the third trimester. Many pregnant people wonder how pain medication fits in and whether they can take anything to relieve discomfort.

Can I take Tylenol while pregnant?
Yes. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) confirms that acetaminophen, including Tylenol, is safe to use during pregnancy based on decades of research. Despite a 2021 statement in Nature that suggested Tylenol might affect fetal development, ACOG strongly rejected this claim. Acetaminophen remains the safest pain medication for pregnant people.

Tylenol can also be taken to reduce fever. Dr. Ashley Hedge, ob-gyn and Chief Medical Officer at Yuzi Care, advises addressing the cause of a fever, as fevers related to infections like influenza or UTIs require immediate treatment. A high fever during pregnancy could potentially harm the developing baby, so if the choice is between letting a fever run high or taking Tylenol, Dr. Hedge advises taking the Tylenol. When in doubt, consult your doctor.

For non-fever-related pain, like headaches, alternatives such as caffeine (e.g., a cup of coffee or tea) can be helpful. Dr. Hedge also suggests considering natural remedies before taking medication, which are discussed further below.

How much Tylenol can I take while pregnant?
With your doctor’s approval, the recommended adult dosage of regular-strength Tylenol is safe during pregnancy: two 325mg tablets every four to six hours, with a maximum of 10 tablets in 24 hours. Tylenol Extra Strength will have different dosage guidelines, so it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be mindful of the total daily limit of acetaminophen intake, which should not exceed 3-3.25g.

Use Tylenol for moderate, consistent pain or fever, but avoid using it for every minor ache.

What about Tylenol PM?
Tylenol PM combines acetaminophen and diphenhydramine (an antihistamine like Benadryl). Both ingredients are safe for short-term, provider-approved use during pregnancy. The suggested adult dosage is two caplets at bedtime, with no more than two caplets in 24 hours. However, long-term use is not recommended. For frequent insomnia or sleep issues, consult your healthcare provider.

How to relieve pregnancy pain without medication
Two of the most common pregnancy complaints are headaches and back pain. Here are natural ways to ease discomfort:

• Stretches or prenatal yoga: Gentle exercises help relieve back pain and tension headaches.
• Meditation: Regular meditation can reduce stress and alleviate headaches. Apps like Expectful, Calm, or Headspace make meditation easy.
• Hot or cold packs: Hot packs can ease sinus headaches and muscle aches, while cold packs work better for tension headaches.
• Prenatal massage: Massages help relax muscles and reduce stress.
• Belly belts: Maternity belts support your baby bump and relieve back and hip pressure.
• Hydration: Drinking lots of water and eating water-rich foods can prevent dehydration, which may cause headaches.
• Body pillows: Using pregnancy pillows while lying on your side can reduce lower back pressure.

If your pain is severe or you have a fever, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider to ensure there are no underlying issues. Being reassured that what you’re experiencing is normal can relieve stress, too.