Ep. 385: Tylenol in Pregnancy: Risks, Benefits & Alternatives with Michaela Wachal, PharmD, CSP

Ep. 385: Tylenol in Pregnancy: Risks, Benefits & Alternatives with Michaela Wachal, PharmD, CSP

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with clinical pharmacist Dr. Michaela Wachal to unpack the controversy surrounding Tylenol (acetaminophen) use in pregnancy and its potential links to autism and other neurodevelopmental concerns.

Together, they dive into what the research actually says (and doesn’t say), why transparency and informed consent are so important, and how to navigate decisions around medications in pregnancy with confidence. Dr. Wachal also highlights the bigger picture, like how genetics, environmental toxins, and even maternal stress can play a role in outcomes, and why caring for yourself is just as critical as any prescription.

This conversation is packed with nuance, evidence, and practical takeaways to help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to advocate for yourself as you make decisions about your pregnancy care.

00:00 Introduction and Media Misrepresentation

01:05 Personal Story and Birth Lounge App

02:16 Empowering Prenatal Conversations

05:26 Emergency Use Authorization Episode

07:34 Interview with Dr. Michaela Wachal

09:14 Medication Safety in Pregnancy

12:37 Pharmaceutical Industry Failures

15:20 Personal Journey and Advocacy

18:55 Questioning Medical Norms

21:15 Tylenol and Toxins

23:34 Aluminum in Vaccines

27:32 The Importance of Transparency

37:05 Advocating for Education and Understanding

37:51 The Power of Asking Questions

40:21 Nesting and Preparing for Baby

43:17 Managing Fevers During Pregnancy

52:01 Environmental Toxins and Health

01:00:41 Therapies and Support for Children on the Spectrum

01:09:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Guest Bio:

Michaela Wachal, PharmD, CSP, is a clinical pharmacist, Certified Specialty Pharmacist, and Clinical Accreditation Manager with nearly a decade of experience in specialty pharmacy. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Doane University. Throughout her career, she’s specialized in complex conditions including oncology, fertility, endocrinology, immunology, mental health, and inflammatory diseases—always with a passion for improving patient care, optimizing healthcare systems, and empowering women in medicine.

Michaela is also a mom of three, including one child with autism, ADHD, and anxiety, which ignited her deep interest in neurodiversity, integrative health, and individualized medicine. After navigating her own family’s challenges, she began researching functional and evidence-based approaches to support children and families living with complex needs. Online, Michaela shares insights from scientific studies on autism, ADHD, vaccines, autoimmune conditions, toxins, and more, always with a focus on helping parents make informed, evidence-based choices.

Her work blends professional expertise with personal passion, making her a trusted voice in both the pharmacy world and the parenting community.

INSTAGRAM:

Connect with HeHe on IG

Connect with Dr. Wachal on IG

BIRTH EDUCATION:

Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!

Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!

RESEARCH MENTIONED:
  • 2021 there's a call for action published supported by 91 scientists, clinicians and public health professionals across the globe recommended that pregnant women should be cautioned at the beginning of pregnancy to forego APAP unless it is medically indicated and to minimize the exposure by using the lowest effective dose for shortest possible time https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34556849/

  • Boston Birth cohort published in 2020 looked at acetaminophen metabolites in cord blood samples collected at birth and unchanged acetaminophen levels were detected in all cord plasma samples and acetaminophen burden was associated with higher odds of ADHD and ASD daignosis there was a 2.3 to 3.5 increased risk for ADHD and 1.6 to 4.1 increased risk for ASD https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31664451/

  • Recently in August Harvard did an analysis using the Navigation Guide methodology that supports evidence consistent with an association between acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy and increased incidence of Neurodevelopmental disorders. This included 46 studies with 27 reporting positive associations with the higher quality studies more likely to show positive correlations
  • https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-025-01208-0

  • In 2018 there was a review that showed that 9 prospective cohort studies that all suggested an association between prenatal APAP exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes - ADHD, ASD or lower IQ and longer duration was associated with increased risk https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29341895/

  • 2022 a prospective cohort study in Pennsylvania looked at 2,423 moms using data and children who were exposed to APAP during pregnancy scored higher for child behaviors, sleep problems and attention problems https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36170224/

Keywords: Tylenol pregnancy, acetaminophen pregnancy, Tylenol autism risk, pregnancy medication safety, prenatal care, evidence-based pregnancy, maternal health, neurodevelopment, pregnancy decision making, informed consent pregnancy, pregnancy medications, Dr. Michaela Wachal, Birth Lounge podcast, pregnancy self-care, pregnancy toxins

Episoder(384)

8: Friday Free Talk: Certification

8: Friday Free Talk: Certification

This is an episode of Friday Free Talk- Where I freely talk about something I want you to know or what ever has been on my mind lately. Today, I dive into the question of "Are you certified?" I explain the range of care you might receive from doulas, the education required, and who accredits this certification. I also dive into my own background and how the unique path my career has taken has prepared me to serve you in a multifaceted approach. Join me for this in-depth look into the nuts and bolts of Tranquility by HeHe and the approach that is empowering so many birthing people across the nation.   Shownotes: Check out the blog!  Don’t forget to join our private Facebook, The Tranquility Tribe Podcast, and follow us on Instagram at @tranquilitybyhehe!

16 Mar 201825min

7: Exercise during Pregnancy with Erika Tsipouras

7: Exercise during Pregnancy with Erika Tsipouras

They say habits that are formed while you're pregnant are more likely to stay around! What better time to implement exercise into your life than when you are growing a tiny human! Erika is a ACE certified Pre and Postnatal personal trainer. In this episode, we dive into the exercising during pregnancy, postpartum fitness, and body-shamers! Join us in this exclusive conversation all about staying fit while being an expectant and new parent!   Shownotes: Check out the blog!  Don’t forget to join our private Facebook, The Tranquility Tribe Podcast, and follow us on Instagram at @tranquilitybyhehe!

13 Mar 201820min

6: Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy with Audra Smith

6: Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy with Audra Smith

In this episode, HeHe sits down with Audra Smith, an expectant mom who has Type 1 Diabetes. She shares her story and how the disease has affected her pregnancy. She and her husband, Brian, struggled to get pregnant and Audra dives into how she believes her T1D played a role in that. For any mom out there who is experience complications in your pregnancy, this episode is for you! She spits truth about keeping it real and also showing people the struggles of battling a life-threatening disease while growing a tiny human. She truly understands the meaning of the villages and believes in doing this together!    Shownotes:   Check out the blog!    If you want to learn more about Audra and follow along with her journey, you can find her on Instagram at @audrashoupesmith.  Don’t forget to join our private Facebook, The Tranquility Tribe Podcast, and follow us on Instagram at @tranquilitybyhehe!

6 Mar 201845min

5: Diving into Tiny Human sleep patterns with Alyssa Blask Campbell

5: Diving into Tiny Human sleep patterns with Alyssa Blask Campbell

Alyssa Blask Campbell is a lover of all things tiny humans. She has spent years studying the science behind our tiny human's brain development and is here to spill the beans! Join us as we dive deep into your child's sleep, including newborns sleeping through the night! Hear Alyssa's explanation of sleep pressure and how a simple equation may be a game-changer in your sleep routines with your kids! You won't want to miss this episode if you are a sleep diva like me and need those solid 8 hours of beauty rest!    Shownotes:    Check out the blog here!    If you want to learn more about Alyssa and Seed and Sew, visit seedandsew.org or check her business out on Facebook or on Instagram at @seed.and.sew.  And if you want to hear more from Alyssa, stay tuned - she will be starting her own podcast soon!     Don’t forget to join our private Facebook, The Tranquility Tribe Podcast, and follow us on Instagram at @tranquilitybyhehe!

27 Feb 201830min

4: Tackling the mysterious pelvic floor: trauma, pleasure, and awakening the goddess with Madison White

4: Tackling the mysterious pelvic floor: trauma, pleasure, and awakening the goddess with Madison White

Madison White is a Pelvic Floor Therapist and a member of the Tranquility Team. She is a holistic practiioner in healing women with energetic and physical healing support. She is the founder of God(us) Circles and practiced as a nurse for many years before finding her passion for women's health, specifically women's sexual health. Join us as we tackle the sticky questions of painful sex, the inpact of birth on the pelvic floor, and how to best heal after having a baby!  Shownotes:   Check out the blog here!  If you are interested in learning more about Madison’s work and how she can help you, you can find more information on her website at www.madisonwhite.net or you can contact her via email at healing@madisonwhite.net or via phone at (339) 201-1346. Madison offers exclusive discounts for Tranquility by HeHe clients to ensure you are pampered in your journey to parenthood!  Don’t forget to join our private Facebook, The Tranquility Tribe Podcast, and follow us on Instagram at @tranquilitybyhehe!

24 Feb 201842min

3: Is acupuncture really worth it? with Nicole Brown

3: Is acupuncture really worth it? with Nicole Brown

Nicole Brown is an acupuncturist in the Boston area and specializes in Women's Health. She is honest about what she thinks will help and has so many remedies. She is part of the Tranquility Team and believes in the power of mindset. Nicole has studied chinese medicine and encourages women to focus on themselves by eating right, exercising, and building in self-care time. Join in as we talk about acupuncture  as labor prep, in labor, and as birth recovery support. We also dive into mood disorders. If you are thinking about making acupuncture your prenatal-self care splurge, this is the episode for you!    Shownotes:    Check out the blog here!   Nicole is located in Brookline, MA.  If you would like to learn more about her practice, you can contact her or sign up for her newsletter on her website or you can follow her on Facebook. Nicole offers exclusive discounts for Tranquility by HeHe clients to ensure you are pampered in your journey to parenthood!  Don’t forget to join our private Facebook, The Tranquility Tribe Podcast, and follow us on Instagram at @tranquilitybyhehe!

16 Feb 201828min

2: Why you NEED Maternity Pictures with Malka Ahmed

2: Why you NEED Maternity Pictures with Malka Ahmed

Have you ever considered maternity photos? Do you wonder why on earth you would want to document your pregnant body? Maybe you want to save the money and put it towards newborn photos? In this episode, I dive deep into newborn photography including newborn safety and posing as well as why printed pictures may be one of the most valuable investments you can make when it comes to having a baby. Malka has been on the Tranquility Team from the very beginning and loves to pamper parents just as much as I do! Join us as we talk about all the things you should know about capturing these once in a lifetime moments and being able to remember them as such happy times.    Shownotes:  Check out the blog here!  For more information about Malka’s photography and how she can help you capture life’s moments, go tohttp://malkaahmedphotography.com/about/. Malka offers exclusive discounts for Tranquility by HeHe clients to ensure you are pampered in your journey to parenthood! Don’t forget to join our private Facebook, The Tranquility Tribe Podcast, and follow us on Instagram at @tranquilitybyhehe! Check out the episode here!

16 Feb 201819min

1: Who is Hehe

1: Who is Hehe

Welcome to The Tranquility Tribe Podcast! Dive into the first episode to find out why I started this podcast and how I came to own a multifaceted practice of women's help. From trying to conceive to planning for a baby, to exploring your birth options and kowingyour rights, to advocating for yourself and transitioning to postpartum life, we dive into it all. I am so excited to share these experts and special guests with you. We will bust fear-based practices out of the park and dig deep to find options along the spectrum from silky to crunchy and eveything in between. From Mississippi to Massachusetts, I'm here to empower you!

14 Feb 201826min

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