The American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) reaffirms that current evidence indicates acetaminophen is the safest and most effective over-the-counter option for treating pain and fever in pregnant patients presenting to emergency departments.
Acetaminophen has been trusted in clinical practice for decades and is one of the few analgesics with a strong safety record in pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics both affirm that the current data do not support a causal link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and neuro-developmental disorders, such as autism. AAEM will continue to encourage emergency physicians and pregnant patients to rely on the best available data and to always consult their treating physician regarding the safety and efficacy of medications.