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

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Ep. 220: Perinatal Mood Disorders and Management Options with Dr. William Leininger, MD, FACOG

Ep. 220: Perinatal Mood Disorders and Management Options with Dr. William Leininger, MD, FACOG

The most dangerous time in pregnancy is actually postpartum; particularly, days 43-365. Postpartum Mood Disorders can be serious, resulting in harmful or dangerous behaviors and thoughts. However, there are a number of evidence-based options to help support new parents and families in this transitional time. Dr. William Leininger, OBGYN, is joining us to discuss the options around postpartum anxiety, depression, and other mood challenges that may arise after having a baby. We dive into the non-pharmacological options, the holistic and lifestyle options and the taboo options. This episode will also include information about the new postpartum medications zuranolone, and what you need to know!     The Birth Lounge: https://www.thebirthlounge.com   Patients and Supports Teams: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline – 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) --has translators for 60 languages Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org) – 988 English and Spanish   Crisis Text Line (crisistextline.org): Text “HOME” to 741-741   Postpartum Support International - https://www.postpartum.net   Mother to Baby – Information about Medications in Pregnancy and Lactation https://mothertobaby.org/   National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, NIHhttps://www.nccih.nih.gov/   BUMPS – Best Uses of Medicine in Pregnancy – UK https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/ NIH Medical Information Search site – medlineplus.gov     Professionals ACOG Perinatal Mental Health Resources https://www.acog.org/about/leadership-and-governance/board-of- directors/iffath-a-hoskins-md/minding-mental-health   Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance - https://www.mmhla.org/  Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health - https://www.2020mom.org/ National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, NIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/   Regional Organization – Roanoke, VA - https://www.huddleupmoms.org   State Organization – Massachusetts - https://www.mcpapformoms.org

13 Sep 20231h 41min

Ep. 219: Baby Reflux with Aine Homer

Ep. 219: Baby Reflux with Aine Homer

Reflux in babies can be challenging and overwhelming. There are so many questions that parents have and very little places to turn for answers. What causes it? How do you know if your baby is experiencing normal spit up or reflux? What is silent reflux and what causes it? Does burping after feed help or hinder reflux? What remedies exist? How do you settle your reflux baby in those long hours of crying fits and discomfort? Aine Homer joins us today to discuss everything you need to know about baby reflux, evidence-based resources and how to get answers for your family!    Join The Birth Lounge: https://www.thebirthlounge.com (Doors are only open September 4th-9th!)   Aine’s website: https://www.thebabyrefluxlady.co.uk     Resources: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acid-reflux-gastroesophageal-reflux-in-babies-beyond-the-basics   https://llli.org/why-infant-reflux-matters/   https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/GERD-Reflux.aspx   https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/gerd

6 Sep 20231h 10min

Ep. 218: Hospital Culture or Cult Behavior? with Billie Harrigan

Ep. 218: Hospital Culture or Cult Behavior? with Billie Harrigan

It’s no secret that the healthcare system is a profit-driven industry that needs an immediate overhaul to improve patient outcomes and start centering patient preferences. We all know that many hospital practices aren’t evidence-based but rather designed to move the bottom line, financially, for the institution. Billie Harrigan is a Traditional Birth Companion and owner of Birth Trauma Ontario in Canada who has been serving families for over 40 years. With extensive international experience, Billie understands the complexities of modern maternity services and the pervasive issues that contribute to birth-related trauma and negative outcomes. Today’s conversation will challenge your assumptions of the medical system and push you to expand the perspectives in which you see the delivery of healthcare in the US & Canada by discussing common tactics used by cults and the resemblance of hospital care. We dive into the impact of non-trauma-informed care on patients’ short-term and long-term well-being. Buckle up because this episode is like nothing else you’ve ever experienced!   The Birth Lounge doors are open!!! Join here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/join     Billie’s Traditional Birth Companion Program: https://billieharrigan.com/becoming-a-traditional-birth-companion   Is hospital care actually evidence based? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3241518/   The System Isn’t Broken: https://billieharrigan.com/blog/2019/11/6/the-system-isnt-broken-but-its-people-are

30 Aug 202353min

Ep. 217: Four Induction Methods No One has Shared with You

Ep. 217: Four Induction Methods No One has Shared with You

Season Opener!!! This episode is jam packed with data and discussion points to help you have an informed conversation around finding your perfect induction equation so you can have a positive induction experience!  The choice to be induced is a very personal one and one that should be made very intentionally. This episode dives into 4 options of induction that you probably have never heard of! These options can help decrease your risk for cesarean and reduce the need for additional interventions!    The Birth Lounge: https://www.thebirthlounge.com   Induction Equation Video: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/induction-equation   Induction Cheat Sheet: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/induction   Oral Miso:  https://www.cochrane.org/CD001338/PREG_oral-misoprostol-induction-labour   Outpatient Ripeners:  https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(22)00798-0/fulltext?dgcid=raven_jbs_aip_email   https://www.obgproject.com/2023/05/10/outpatient-labor-induction-with-misoprostol-impact-on-length-of-stay-and-vaginal-delivery-rates/?mc_cid=83f577ac38&mc_eid=854ebe014b   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027046/   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871519220302845   Melatonin: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/10/12/3252   https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2019.00616/full    https://www.cochrane.org/CD010527/PREG_giving-melatonin-women-pregnancy-protect-babys-brain-and-improve-long-term-outcomes-baby   https://grantome.com/grant/NIH/R21-HD086392-01 (Brigham & Women’s Hospital)   https://fetalmedicine.org/abstracts/2022/var/pdf/abstracts/2022/03846.pdf   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34058776/    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7044825/   EPO: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-on-evening-primrose-oil-epo/    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382022000257   https://brieflands.com/articles/fga-130352.html

23 Aug 202354min

Ep 216: Bias in the Birth Room

Ep 216: Bias in the Birth Room

The truth is-- unbiased care does not exist. If everyone from your doctor to your mom to the stranger in the super market has biases, what are you supposed to do? Plus, do those biases increase your risk of experiencing birth trauma? This episode will tell you exactly why it's important to be able to spot bias and what to do with it if you encounter provider bias that is impacting your care. I also share tips to reducing your risk of birth trauma.   Questions to ask your provider: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Interviewing-Providers   The Birth Lounge: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/   Work with me: https://www.tranquilitybyhehe.com/

12 Juli 202322min

Ep. 215: How to Avoid a C-section

Ep. 215: How to Avoid a C-section

Unnecessareans (Unnecessary c-sections) are on the rise in America and for many reasons! So many women prepare for labor from a place of wanting to avoid a c-section but fail to understand what actually CAUSES unnecessary cesareans! Without understanding WHAT causes them, it will be very hard to implement HOW to actually avoid one!   There are things you can do, decisions you can make and conversations you can have that will mitigate your risk of unnecessary intervention and allow you to avoid having a cesarean birth when that is not your plan!  This episode will teach you the three most influential things you can do to avoid an unnecessarean!    Join The Birth Lounge: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/join     Sources for this episode:  Spontaneous Labor: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/215/4538/1396 https://www.ejog.org/article/S0301-2115(98)00058-X/abstract https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0137188 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1948087/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26776817/ https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/11/definition-of-term-pregnancy https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/when-pregnancy-goes-past-your-due-date https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/obstetric-care-consensus/articles/2014/03/safe-prevention-of-the-primary-cesarean-delivery https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/01/macrosomia   Labor at home: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/american-obstetrics-in-the-1950s/ https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/02/approaches-to-limit-intervention-during-labor-and-birth https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/obstetric-care-consensus/articles/2014/03/safe-prevention-of-the-primary-cesarean-delivery https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3660040/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595201/   Failure to Progress: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/obstetric-care-consensus/articles/2014/03/safe-prevention-of-the-primary-cesarean-delivery https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010088.pub3/full https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/obstetric-care-consensus/articles/2014/03/safe-prevention-of-the-primary-cesarean-delivery

7 Juni 202352min

Ep. 214: Using Prenatal Yoga as a Tool to Prepare Your Mind and Body for Birth with Deb Flashenberg of Yoga | Birth | Babies

Ep. 214: Using Prenatal Yoga as a Tool to Prepare Your Mind and Body for Birth with Deb Flashenberg of Yoga | Birth | Babies

HeHe and Deb connect to discuss the Mind-Body Connection and its' impact in labor'. The importance of movement in pregnancy How that builds a mind-body connection What that connection means for your labor experience Yoga can feel intimidating if you have never done it before --Deb shares the best ways to ease yourself into a practice that will benefit you and your baby plus help you have a smoother labor! Follow Along with Deb: Prenatal Yoga Center Yoga | Birth | Babies Podcast Instagram   More About Deb: Deb Flashenberg (CD(DONA), LCCE, E-RYT 500, RPYT, YACEP) is the director of The Prenatal Yoga Center in NY and host of the Yoga | Birth | Babies Podcast. Drawing on her experience as a prenatal yoga teacher, labor support doula, childbirth educator and mother, Deb hopes to support the pregnant person with functional yoga asana to create a functional birth and ease into parenthood feeling empowered and honored on this sacred journey of birth and beyond.

22 Feb 202330min

Ep. 213: Trauma Informed Breastfeeding Support

Ep. 213: Trauma Informed Breastfeeding Support

HeHe sits down with Nurse Beckie to discuss: Trauma informed breastfeeding support in the hospital How to have your breastfeeding goals heard and respected in the hospital How to best set yourself up for a successful breastfeeding journey Connect with Nurse Beckie at @nursebeckie_ on Instagram or on her website at www.bestfeedinglc.com

31 Jan 202339min

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