The Link Between Maternal Health and Autism

Thanks to the plethora of research and studies that have been conducted over the last 30 years or so, a significant amount of knowledge has been gained about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) This has helped advance the accuracy of diagnosis, the effectiveness of targeted treatment methods such as applied behavioral analysis (ABA therapy) and the general acceptance and inclusion of people on the autism spectrum

While much of this research has suggested different reasons for why a person may develop autism, there is no one definitive cause that has been identified. Instead, it appears that there are many different factors that play a role in a person’s risk of having autism.

One of the risk factors that has been identified is maternal health. Research has found that some maternal health issues, including immune system disorders, obesity and diabetes, could put a child more at risk of developing ASD.

Below, we’ll examine the link between maternal health and autism, and what some of the factors are that could increase the risk of autism for a child.

Learn more about family history and how it might increase autism risks

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What are Some of the Main Maternal Health Risk Factors for Autism?

For nearly 10 years now, it’s been known that two specific maternal health issues are linked to an increased risk of a child developing autism.

A 2016 study conducted by the Johnson Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that children born to women who are obese and have diabetes are four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than children born to mothers who have a healthy weight and don’t have diabetes.

It’s long been known that obesity and diabetes weren’t good for the health of pregnant mothers. But, this study showed that both of those maternal health conditions posed issues to their unborn children, too.

The study found that the higher risk factor for a child developing ASD applied to mothers who had diabetes prior to getting pregnant as well as those who developed gestational diabetes during their pregnancy.

While the Johns Hopkins researchers didn’t draw a definitive conclusion about why this may be the case, they cited previous studies that suggested maternal obesity could be associated with inflammation developing in the fetal brain. Other studies also suggested mothers who are obese often have folate, which is a B vitamin that’s “vital for human development and health.”

Are There Links Between Medications Taken During Pregnancy and Autism?

Other researchers have studied potential links between medications women have taken during pregnancy and an increased risk of a child developing autism.

Studies have shown that the usage of some antiepileptic drugs have been linked to an increased risk of a child developing autism, when they were taken by pregnant mothers. This is particularly true of the drug valproate, which is sold under the Depakote brand name.

The studies have suggested that valproate could increase the risk of autism in children by up to 10%.

A 2015 review also found that mothers who took SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, while pregnant were more at risk of having a child with autism.

While some additional studies have suggested that usage of acetaminophen — in generic form or under the brand name Tylenol — could also increase the risk of a child developing autism.

However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that more research needs to be done on the topic. At this point, the ACOG hasn’t recommended that any changes be made in how physicians who treat pregnant women prescribe acetaminophen.

What Should Pregnant Women Do to Reduce the Risk of Autism?

As with anything health-related, pregnant women should always talk to their doctor before they take any medications. That’s because even though certain medications, for instance, could increase the risk factor of children developing ASD, the medications could be vital to the woman’s life — or they could be other alternatives.

In general, it’s always advisable for pregnant women to be as healthy as possible. This includes eating a well-balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight to avoid becoming obese or developing gestational diabetes.

Furthermore, children born early or pre-term, have been shown to have a higher rate of ASD diagnoses than those born at 40 weeks. Taking steps to minimize the risks of premature birth is another way to minimize the risks of an ASD diagnoses.

Blue Gems ABA Supports Children with Autism

While there’s no single definitive cause of autism, there are certain things that increase the potential risk for developing ASD. Some studies have found direct links between some aspects of maternal health and autism, and others still have suggested links between other aspects.

At Blue Gems ABA, we have a team of experienced clinical psychologists who are trained to fully evaluate children for autism and, if appropriate, diagnose them with ASD. We also have a team of experienced BCBAs who are dedicated to administering ABA therapy on a one-to-one basis.

By creating personalized ABA therapy plans for each individual patient, we are able to help address their unique strengths and challenges, helping them to build the social, communication and daily life skills with which they may struggle.

To learn more, please contact us today.