Pain Matters Podcast Network · AAPM - American Academy of Pain Medicine

Ep 37 Acetaminophen in Pregnancy and Children: Debunking Myths and Ensuring Safe Use*

·35 min·2 clips

A Sweden nationwide sibling-controlled cohort found no link between acetaminophen in pregnancy and autism.

The episode opens by naming the current debate around acetaminophen and neurodivergent disorders, including autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Amber Barucki joins as an anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist whose work centers on chronic pain management in children, adolescents, and young adults. Her background includes medical school at Rush, residency at the University of Chicago, fellowships at Boston Children's, and later work at UCSF and Stanford. The conversation settles quickly into the practical question of what safe pain care looks like when acetaminophen is not the only option. The hosts and guest keep returning to the point that pain in children should be treated, not brushed aside. Barucki explains how untreated pain can create fear around procedures and medical settings. The discussion treats that fear as clinically important, not just a side effect. It also frames persistent undertreatment as something that can shape later anxiety and pain-related behavior. From there, the episode moves into alternatives for pregnancy and childhood. Non-pharmacological strategies come first. Gentle massage is named. Acupressure is named as well. Heat and ice are included as accessible options. Topical medications are discussed as another path. Lidocaine patches come up specifically, including the point that they do not develop significant blood levels and can be used in pregnancy. For children, ibuprofen is mentioned as a possible option. Aspirin is specifically ruled out. The conversation keeps circling back to the need to consult a healthcare provider when questions are complex. Near the close, the episode notes that the College continues to recommend acetaminophen when it is medically needed. The tone stays measured, professional, and focused on separating evidence from anxiety.

As heard by us

A steady, practical look at pain relief that favors treatment over panic while leaving room for alternatives.

This episode treats acetaminophen in pregnancy and childhood as a practical question, not a headline fight. Dr. Amber Barucki keeps the discussion grounded in safety, risk, and the situations where acetaminophen may not be the best pick.

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Why you'd press play

You want a calmer way to think about acetaminophen, pregnancy, and children.

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