When US President Donald Trump speaks, the world listens – sometimes too closely. In a recent rally, he dropped a bombshell: paracetamol, the common painkiller we all pop for headaches (Tylenol in the US), causes autism if taken during pregnancy. “Doctors will soon advise pregnant women to stop it,” he said, linking it to vaccines too. But experts are shouting back: it’s wrong, and it could hurt moms and babies.
This isn’t just an American issue. In India, where paracetamol is a household name and pregnancy myths run wild, Trump’s words echo loud. Add to that the endless advice from uncles and aunties – or even men who think they know women’s bodies better than women do – and you see a pattern. Why do powerful voices spread false info on health? And why do some men act like pregnancy experts without living it? In this report, we break it down with doctor insights, real stories, and what it means for us. It’s a wake-up call on trust, facts, and respect for women’s choices.
Trump’s Big Claim: What He Said and Why It’s Wrong
It started at a Florida rally on September 22. Trump, pushing his health agenda, claimed paracetamol use by pregnant women leads to autism in kids. He tied it to his old vaccine rants, saying the government hides the truth. “Stay away from it – it’s dangerous,” he warned, promising new guidelines. The crowd cheered, but doctors worldwide hit pause.
Paracetamol is safe and recommended for fever or pain in pregnancy, say the WHO and India’s ICMR. A fever left untreated can harm the baby more than a low dose of the drug. Studies, like one in The Lancet, show no autism link – that’s from bad science twisted online. Trump’s claim revives 1990s fears, debunked long ago.
On X, the buzz was instant. Sky News posted a clip from their podcast: “After Donald Trump’s false claim about paracetamol, how damaging could it be? And why do some men think they know best about pregnancy?” It got over 8,000 views in hours, with users like @friendofthefox calling out Reform UK’s Nigel Farage for not challenging Trump. “Snakes and myths,” one reply said.
How Damaging Is This? Real Risks for Indian Moms
The harm isn’t just words – it’s actions. In the US, calls to poison centers spiked 20% after Trump’s talk, per CDC data. Pregnant women skipped meds for flu, leading to higher fevers and hospital visits. Here in India, where 25 million pregnancies happen yearly, it’s scarier. Many rely on paracetamol for back pain or infections – skipping it could mean untreated issues, risking preterm birth or low birth weight.
Dr. Anita Rao, a Delhi gynecologist, sees it daily. “Patients come scared from WhatsApp forwards. One mom avoided it for dengue fever – her baby had complications. Trump’s voice travels fast; we spend hours rebuilding trust.” A BMJ study warns such misinformation delays care, especially in low-trust areas. For us, with rising autism awareness but poor mental health support, it fuels stigma. Families blame moms, adding guilt.
Long-term? It erodes faith in doctors. During COVID, fake cures killed thousands globally. Now, with elections heating up, politicians like Trump use health fears for votes. In India, we’ve seen similar with COVID jabs – hesitancy dropped vax rates in rural spots. If paracetamol panic spreads, it could hit our overburdened clinics hard.
Why Do Some Men Think They Know Best About Pregnancy?
Trump’s claim isn’t alone – it’s part of a bigger problem: men opining on women’s bodies. From rallies to family chats, why do some act like experts on pregnancy, a thing they’ve never felt?
Sky News’ podcast nailed it: “Why do some men think they know best about pregnancy?” Hosts Beth Rigby and guests Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson unpacked it. Harman, a UK MP, said it’s patriarchy – men control laws on abortion or IVF without the pain. Davidson added, “They read one article and boom, doctor mode.”
In India, it’s everyday. Remember the 2023 row when a male MP said women “enjoy” pregnancy? Reddit threads like “Why do men think they have any right to give advice on pregnancy?” are full of stories: husbands banning ACs “for baby’s cold,” or in-laws pushing herbs over checkups. A PMC study found 40% of Indian men feel “ownership” over pregnancy decisions, from societal norms where dads are “providers,” not empathizers.
Experts like Dr. Kavita Singh, a Mumbai counselor, blame education gaps. “Men learn from movies or uncles, not books. Pregnancy’s invisible to them – no stretch marks, no nausea. So they simplify: ‘Just rest.'” Couvade syndrome, where dads mimic symptoms, shows empathy exists, but often it’s mansplaining. Globally, it’s tied to power – US bans on abortion show men deciding without stakes.
On X, @Melissa1844880 vented: “Thank God we have men out here thinking they know best about pregnancy” after a post on Health Canada’s Tylenol note. Replies poured in: women sharing ignored pains, men admitting, “I didn’t get it till my wife explained.”
Expert Views: Fixing the Mess
Doctors urge calm. “Paracetamol’s safe in moderation – talk to your doc, not Trump,” says Dr. Rao. For men, workshops like those by India’s NHM teach empathy – “Listen, don’t fix.”
Podcasts like Sky News’ are helping. Their episode, shared widely, sparked chats: one user said, “As a dad, I learned – pregnancy’s her journey, my support.” Change starts there – facts over fear, respect over advice.
FAQs: Clearing Up the Confusion
Q1. What Did Trump Exactly Say About Paracetamol?
At a rally, he claimed it causes autism if taken in pregnancy and linked it to vaccines. Wrong – WHO and experts say no link; it’s safe for fever or pain.
Q2. Is Paracetamol Really Dangerous for Pregnant Women?
No, in low doses it’s the first choice. Untreated fever is riskier. Always check with a doctor.
Q3. Why Do Men Often Give Unsolicited Pregnancy Advice?
Many grow up thinking they’re the “head” – patriarchy plus lack of real talk. Education and listening help.
Q4. How Can I Spot Health Myths Online?
Check sources like ICMR or WHO. If it’s from a politician without studies, pause. Talk to pros.
Q5. What’s the Safest Painkiller in Pregnancy?
Paracetamol, per guidelines. Avoid ibuprofen after 20 weeks.
The Bigger Picture: Trust and Talk
Trump’s slip and men’s know-it-all vibes show a trust gap in health. For Indian families, it’s personal – moms bear the load, dads need to step up as allies. Let’s push facts, not fear. Share your story below – did a myth scare you? Doctors, chime in. Together, we build better care.