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(386)

Ep: 212: Vaginal Birth After Two Cesareans: What Does the Evidence Say?

Ep: 212: Vaginal Birth After Two Cesareans: What Does the Evidence Say?

Jen Kamel is the CEO and Founder of VBAC Facts® whose mission is to increase access to vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) through education, legislation, and amplifying the consumer voice. VBAC Facts® helps perinatal professionals, and cesarean parents, achieve clarity on the VBAC evidence through their educational courses, continuing education training programs, and consulting services. As an internationally recognized consumer advocate, Jen supports perinatal professionals around the world through her online professional membership, travels throughout the United States training perinatal professionals, presents Grand Rounds at hospitals, and works as a legislative consultant throughout the US focusing on midwifery legislation and regulations that threaten VBAC access. Over the years she has testified multiple times in front of the California Medical Board and legislative committees, educating legislators on the importance of VBAC access, and has served as an expert witness and consultant in legal proceedings. VBAC Facts® envisions a time when every pregnant person seeking VBAC has access to unbiased information, respectful providers, and community support so they can plan the birth of their choosing in the setting they desire.   Special Offer: 15% off courses for parents and professionals using coupon code BirthLounge at checkout. Go to vbacfacts.com/courses to enroll.   Follow along with Jen: https://vbacfacts.com

24 Jan 202341min

Ep. 211: Birth Story Share from a Chosen Single Parent

Ep. 211: Birth Story Share from a Chosen Single Parent

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13 Dec 202230min

Ep. 210: The Problem with Hospital Childbirth Education

Ep. 210: The Problem with Hospital Childbirth Education

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Ep. 209: A look into a Fertility Journey to Become a Solo Parent

Ep. 209: A look into a Fertility Journey to Become a Solo Parent

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Ep. 208: Tongue Ties & Oral Dysfunction with Erika Higginbottom, MS, OTR/L

Ep. 208: Tongue Ties & Oral Dysfunction with Erika Higginbottom, MS, OTR/L

Erika is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Massachusetts.  She completed her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Regis College in Weston, MA, and she also received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brandeis University.  She has a diverse background working with infants, children and teens in school-based settings, early intervention, and private practice.  Erika has trainings in tethered oral tissues, Michelle Emmanuel's Tummy Time! Method, visual-vestibular techniques, reflex integration, feeding, and oral motor skills. Additionally, she is trained in Handwriting without Tears. Erika lives on the North Shore of Massachusetts. She is the mother to Jordan (3) and Lila (infant). In her spare time, she enjoys playing outside with her children, jogging, watching Boston sports and meditating. Erika is a level I Reiki practitioner.

8 Nov 202241min

Ep. 207: How to Find an OBGYN + Care Team with Malia Funk

Ep. 207: How to Find an OBGYN + Care Team with Malia Funk

Today HeHe is sitting down with Malia Funk of The POV.  Covering everything you need to know about using this FemTech tool to find a provider that you want and deserve.  The POV is a curated marketplace of modern healthcare offerings designed for women+. Our goal is to help women and uterus-owners choose the best care option available.   Follow along with POV: Thepov.us

1 Nov 202226min

Ep. 206: Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Ep. 206: Benefits of Chiropractic Care

How young is too young? The benefits of chiro care, babywearing, the impacts of vaginal vs c section delivery on musculoskeletal structure and development, oral ties and tethers, and how to find a pediatric chiropractor in your area!   Dr. Ashtiani is the owner and treating chiropractor at Essence Chiropractic & Wellness located in San Antonio, Texas. Chiropractors focus on the structure and condition of the body influences and body functions and its ability to heal itself. The mind-body relationship is instrumental in maintaining health and in the healing processes. Dr. A specializes in pediatric and the perinatal period.  www.essence-chiro.com

25 Okt 202241min

Ep. 205: Pushing Effectively with Melissa Chappell, LDEM, CPM

Ep. 205: Pushing Effectively with Melissa Chappell, LDEM, CPM

Melissa Chappell, LDEM, CPM is a midwife and owner of two birth centers in Utah, as well as a doula trainer of over 20 years. She is passionate about women’s health from a holistic and nourishing perspective, and advocates for women’s wellness in all areas of their lives. She has worked with midwives and birthing women all over the world, including in Haiti, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and loves seeing how women’s lives improve with access to safe and effective midwifery care. She’s the owner of Fresh Melissa, a company dedicated to creating tasty treats that are also healthy. She is the mother of 4 children and 3 grandchildren that she adores. In between catching babies, Melissa loves to explore as much of the world as she can – from international travel to exploring the mountains in her backyard.

18 Okt 202242min

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