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Can Drinking During Pregnancy Cause Autism?

Pregnant mothers are advised to avoid doing or consuming certain things while they are pregnant, as doing so can put them at higher risk of harming their unborn fetus. Some examples include smoking or drinking alcohol, eating raw meat such as sushi, consuming milk products that are unpasteurized, taking certain medications, and going into a sauna or hot tub.

If a mother were to engage in some of the behaviors above, it could put their fetus at higher risk of having certain conditions, as it could have a negative effect on normal body and brain development.

As the instances of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have increased rapidly in the U.S. in recent years, people have questioned whether there’s a link between certain things a mother does while pregnant to her child developing autism.

While more research is needed into these topics, some connections have been made between maternal health and ASD.

Below, we’ll look at one of these behaviors — whether drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause autism.

Table Of Contents

What Can Happen if Mothers Drink Alcohol During Pregnancy?

Pregnant mothers have long been advised that they should not drink alcohol while they’re pregnant. If they do, they put their child at higher risk of developing what’s known as fetal alcohol syndrome disorders (FASDs)1.

Children who develop FASD may have a lower birth weight, learning disabilities, behavior problems, and lag behind others when it comes to achieving development and growth milestones.

Risk Factors Impact
Low Birth Weight Infants may weigh less than normal
Learning Disabilities Cognitive and developmental delays
Behavioral Problems Increased behavior management issues

While some may believe that consuming a small amount of alcohol during pregnancy is OK, there is no research to support that at this point. As such, it’s a good idea for mothers to avoid consuming alcohol altogether while they’re pregnant2.

Can Drinking During Pregnancy Cause Autism?

Because of the developmental delays that FASDs may cause, it’s natural to wonder whether drinking during pregnancy can cause autism. Many studies have drawn a direct link between alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the child developing intellectual disabilities3, ADHD and other cognitive conditions.

However, the research into the connection between alcohol consumption and autism is mixed to this point.

Study Conclusion
2018 Millennium Cohort Study No link between alcohol and ASD
2019 Study Association found, but not causation

So, Is It Safe to Drink During Pregnancy?

Despite the mixed conclusions when it comes to whether drinking during pregnancy can cause autism, pregnant mothers are still advised to not drink alcohol4.

So, What Causes Autism?

Research hasn’t identified one sole cause of autism. Instead, it’s believed that there are multiple factors that can cause a child to develop ASD.

Some possible risk factors include genetics and family history, environmental factors such as exposure to certain pollutants and toxins, and overall maternal health. For instance, links have been found to mothers with high blood pressure or diabetes and an increased risk of having a child with autism.

Risk Factor Potential Link
Genetics Family history of ASD
Environmental Toxins Exposure increases ASD risk

If your child is diagnosed with autism, there are treatment options available that can help address the common symptoms they might suffer from. Applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy, is considered the gold standard treatment option.

Help Your Child Grow with Blue Gems ABA

While no direct link has been found between drinking during pregnancy and autism, it’s not a good idea for pregnant mothers to consume alcohol. Doing so still increases the risk of the fetus not developing properly, and being born with abnormalities.

At Blue Gems ABA, we have a team of experienced BCBAs who help support children with ASD by administering ABA therapy on a one-to-one basis. We are dedicated to helping children on the autism spectrum live happy, healthy, productive, fulfilling and independent lives.

To learn more, please contact us today.

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/fasd/index.html
  2. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/drinking-alcohol-while-pregnant/#:~:text=Drinking%20alcohol%20during%20pregnancy%20increases,alcohol%20spectrum%20disorder%20(FASD).
  3. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-57938-7#:~:text=In%20conclusion%2C%20this%20study%20found,in%20early%20school%2Daged%20children.
  4. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007454.htm