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

Avsnitt(385)

Ep. 267: Ultrasounds in Pregnancy with Eyla Cuenca

Ep. 267: Ultrasounds in Pregnancy with Eyla Cuenca

Dive into the history of ultrasounds in maternity care, the various types of ultrasounds and how to know if they are right for you! Eyla and HeHe will talk about when you typically get ultrasounds in pregnancy and how to navigate the conversation of declining them if they are not aligned with your birth goals!    Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Eyla on IG    Join Eyla's Doula training 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!

23 Maj 20241h 15min

Ep. 266: A Twin & Breech Birth with Laura Siddons, Founder of TumTum Pillow

Ep. 266: A Twin & Breech Birth with Laura Siddons, Founder of TumTum Pillow

In this episode, HeHe is joined by Laura of The Nesting Place & TumTum Wedge Pillow. She shares her twin and breech hospital birth story. Tune in today to hear her story and explore all of the questions you should consider asking if you have a breech baby or twin pregnancy.   Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Laura at:  The Nesting Place on IG TumTum Tummy Time Wedge TumTum on IG   Use the code HEHE to get 10% off the TumTum Wedge Pillow!!  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!   Breech & Twin Resources: Rixa Freeze, David Hartung: https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/ Nathan Riley: https://www.belovedholistics.com/ Stu Fischbein: http://www.birthinginstincts.com/   Twin Sleep: Episode 249 with Natalie Diaz and Kim West

17 Maj 20241h 3min

Ep. 265: SSRI's in Pregnancy with Alex Hoeft, RN

Ep. 265: SSRI's in Pregnancy with Alex Hoeft, RN

SSRI's are commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression, so what happens when you get pregnant? Can you stay on these medications? Should you consider a different prescription or different modality of support? Alex Hoeft is a Labor & Delivery Nurse, homeschool mama of 5 & doula here to talk to us about her experience taking an SSRI during pregnancy. We will be diving into the questions that you should be asking yourself and your provider to determine the right path for you! From what they are to how they can impact your baby after birth, and even some of the more natural ways to support your mental health whether you are looking to wean from your SSRI or supplement it with other resources.    Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Alex on IG  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!

15 Maj 20241h 9min

Ep. 264: Postpartum Hemorrhage with Mama Nurse Tina, L&D RN

Ep. 264: Postpartum Hemorrhage with Mama Nurse Tina, L&D RN

You asked and we delivered! In this episode, HeHe and MaMa Nurse Tina bring a human touch to the heavy topic of postpartum hemorrhage. We’re diving into what postpartum hemorrhage is, what increases your risk for experiencing it, some things that to mitigate those risks and then what to ask your providers during prenatals and if you do experience a hemorrhage.    Guest Bio:   Tina has been a labor and delivery nurse since 2012 with experience as an emergency room nurse prior. Recently she obtained her perinatal nursing certificate and has a passion for educating and empowering people who are looking forward to welcoming their new baby or have recently had a baby and would like some direction and encouragement. She's also a mom of 4 herself. Links:  Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Mama Nurse Tina on IG   Connect with Nurse Tina on TikTok    Connect with Nurse Tina on YouTube   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!

10 Maj 20241h 34min

Ep. 263: Pre-Eclampsia with OBGYN & MFM, Dr. Lexi Hill

Ep. 263: Pre-Eclampsia with OBGYN & MFM, Dr. Lexi Hill

Join HeHe as she sits down with High Risk OBGYN & MFM, Dr. Lexi Hill to discuss Pre-Eclampsia which is a pregnancy complication that generally arises after 20-weeks of pregnancy and often presents as high blood pressure, possible proteins in your urine, a headache that won't go away and intense swelling of legs and feet! Dr. Lexi shares about monitoring yourself for signs & symptoms, diagnostic criteria, risk factors that may increase your risk of developing Pre-E, questions to ask your provider plus the medical remedies you can expect to be offered to you if you develop Pre-E in pregnancy.    Guest Bio: Dr. Lexi Hill obtained her BS in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Spanish from Texas A&M University. After taking a year to volunteer abroad in Costa Rica, substitute teach, and work as a Medical Assistant, she attended medical school at Texas A&M followed by an OB/GYN residency in Phoenix, Arizona. The native Texan returned to Galveston, Texas to complete a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch where she received multiple teaching awards for her involvement with medical students and residents. Dr. Lexi Hill is licensed in over 20 states and practices telemedicine full-time to underserved communities. She is extensively involved with the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine to help advocate for maternal health care at both the state and national level. She has traveled extensively and enjoys incorporating her study of the Spanish language into her daily clinical practice. Her commitment to teaching self-advocacy skills to patients, as well as physicians, led her to start her own business based on the three pillars of EXPANDING knowledge, DEVELOPING skills, IMPACTING lives (E.D.I). With this concept, Dr. Lexi Hill shares data driven pregnancy information through social media, YouTube videos, and her podcast. She also offers virtual concierge consultations which require no referral or delays due to insurance. She truly has a passion to help individuals experience a happy and healthy pregnancy.   Links:  Connect with HeHe on IG    JOIN THE BIRTH LOUNGE!   Connect with Dr. Lexi: https://www.drlexihill.com/ https://www.drlexihill.com/advocate www.drlexihill.com/aspirin www.drlexihill.com/fetaltesting   Link to purchase a module or book a consultation with Dr. Lexi https://www.drlexihill.com/pregnancy-advocacy

8 Maj 20241h 7min

Ep. 262: Coping with an Unplanned C-Section with Jessica Rita

Ep. 262: Coping with an Unplanned C-Section with Jessica Rita

In this episode, HeHe chats with Jessica Rita of Modern Courage. They discuss the impact an unplanned cesarean can have on the initiation into motherhood including dealing with feelings of failure and many more layers of emotions. Jessica dives a bit into the cause of birth trauma as well as steps you can take to start healing now, including the importance of nervous system regulation, and trigger tracking. She also shares how an unplanned cesarean can impact the mother-baby bond & attachment style!   Guest Bio: Jess is a specialist in supporting millennial and Gen X women with anxiety, and individuals who have experienced birth trauma. She is a licensed canadian clinical counselor who offers individual therapy to support your personal growth with a focus on helping you to improve your self-worth, and to grow a more mindful, and balanced lifestyle.    Links:  Connect with Jess on IG    Join Jessica’s group to repair your birth story   Jessica’s website   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!   Connect with HeHe on IG    YOUTUBE LINKS: Connect with Jess on IG: https://www.instagram.com/itsanewbirthstory/ Join Jessica’s group to repair your birth story:

8 Maj 202457min

Ep. 261: VBAC Birth Debrief with Alexis Stearns

Ep. 261: VBAC Birth Debrief with Alexis Stearns

In this episode HeHe sits down with our editor, Alexis Stearns to go through a birth story case study. This is one of the coolest episodes to date! Special thanks to Alexis who shares her story of the classic 'cascade to intervention' cycle that ended with an unwanted, yet emergency (necessary) cesarean induction and VBAC induction stories with a play by play from HeHe on the different options at each step of the way. We dive into the feelings she experienced finding out she was pregnant again, how she made the decision to VBAC and what her hospital experience looked like trying to VBAC! Tune in to explore all the options!    Guest Bio: Alexis is on a mission to heal motherhood. As a manifesting generator (iykyk), Alexis achieves this mission in a variety of ways. From business support services for those aligning with her mission, to teaching children and their families social and emotional regulation skills, to helping moms create their own healing plan. Alexis believes firmly that every person is unique and helps them find what works for each individual. Alexis offers birth story debriefs for mothers and doulas, as well as a completely free course and workbook for new moms to complete with their support system.   Links:  Connect with HeHe on IG    Connect with Alexis on IG    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!   Grab the posture guide referenced in the episode!    Grab Alexis’ free course to start healing a difficult birth here    YOUTUBE LINKS: Connect with HeHe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ Connect with Alexis on IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionally.alexis/

8 Maj 20241h 56min

Ep. 260: BIRTH STORY: VBA3C with Petra Cruz

Ep. 260: BIRTH STORY: VBA3C with Petra Cruz

Today's episode is all about Vaginal Birth After 3 C-sections! Petra Cruz, from The VBAC Junkie Podcast, joins HeHe to share her story of 3 cesarean births + a VBAC birth at a hospital that has a 'VBAC Ban' in place! Petra is stepping us through her decision making process to have a VBAC and how hard she had to fight in the hospital.   Join The Birth Lounge Membership!   Download The Birth Lounge App!   Connect with Petra on IG! Connect with HeHe on IG!

24 Apr 20241h 17min

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