For years, people have wondered whether a mother’s health during pregnancy can cause autism in her child. Many studies have suggested a connection, but new research from NYU Langone Health shows that this is not true.
What Does the Study Say?
A large study, published in Nature Medicine, looked at 1.1 million pregnancies in Denmark. Researchers analyzed medical histories and found that most conditions in pregnant women do not cause autism. Instead, factors like genetics, pollution exposure, and healthcare access explain the connection better.
The study also found that the only pregnancy-related conditions linked to autism were complications related to the fetus. This means that these complications were likely early signs of autism rather than the cause of it.
How Did Researchers Find This Out?
- They studied 600,000 mothers and their medical records in a well-organized Danish registry.
- They looked at 236 different health conditions during pregnancy.
- They analyzed paternal medical records to rule out other possible factors.
- They accounted for genetics, age, and environmental factors to ensure accuracy.
Key Findings
- No strong evidence that maternal sickness causes autism.
- Genetics plays a big role—certain genes that cause depression are also linked to autism.
- Fathers’ medical histories also showed similar connections, meaning autism is more related to family traits than pregnancy conditions.
- Pregnancy complications in the fetus were linked to autism, but researchers believe these were early signs of autism, not the cause.
Why Is This Important?
Many mothers of autistic children feel guilty, thinking they did something wrong during pregnancy. This research proves that autism starts developing before birth and is not caused by the mother’s health condition.
What Is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects how a person interacts and behaves. Some common signs include:
- Reduced eye contact
- Avoiding social interactions
- Repeating gestures or sounds
- Sensitivity to temperature or noise
If you are an expecting mother or have a child with autism, remember that it is not your fault. Autism is a complex condition influenced by genetics and other factors.
Talk to a doctor if you have concerns about your child’s development. Early support can make a big difference!
Let’s spread awareness and support families with autism. Share this information with others!
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