Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction and behavior.

The exact cause of ASD is unknown, but several factors have been associated with an increased risk of the disorder including genetics, environmental factors, and maternal health conditions. Recently, a new study has found a link between maternal waist circumference and the risk of ASD in their children.

What is maternal waist circumference?

Maternal waist circumference is a measure of a mother’s central obesity, which is the accumulation of fat around the waist area.

It is an important indicator of a mother’s overall health and is used to assess the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Study findings

The study looked at data from over 220,000 mother-child pairs, collected between 1999 and 2009.

The researchers found that children born to mothers with central obesity, as measured by waist circumference, had a 65% higher risk of developing ASD compared to children born to mothers without central obesity. The risk was found to be highest in children born to mothers with a waist circumference of 80 cm or more.

Possible explanations

The exact mechanism by which maternal waist circumference increases the risk of ASD is unknown.

However, the researchers speculate that central obesity may lead to inflammation in the mother’s body, which can have an impact on the developing fetal brain. Additionally, high levels of insulin and glucose that are common in people with central obesity may also play a role in ASD development.

Other factors that increase the risk of ASD

Though the study found a strong association between maternal waist circumference and the risk of ASD in children, it’s important to note that there are other factors that can increase the risk of developing ASD. These include:.

Genetics: Studies have shown that genetics plays a strong role in the development of ASD. Children with a sibling or parent with ASD are at a higher risk of developing the disorder.
Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as exposure to toxins, certain medications, and infections during pregnancy have also been linked to an increased risk of ASD.
Advanced maternal age: Advanced maternal age, particularly over the age of 35, has been found to be associated with an increased risk of ASD in children.
Prematurity: Premature birth has been linked to an increased risk of ASD, though the exact mechanism is unclear.
Low birth weight: Studies have found that babies with a low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing ASD.

Prevention and management

While there is no sure way to prevent ASD, there are certain steps that mothers can take to reduce the risk of their child developing the disorder. These include:.

Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding central obesity. This can be achieved through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Getting early and regular prenatal care.
Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs during pregnancy.
Getting vaccinated against infections such as rubella, which has been linked to an increased risk of ASD.

Conclusion

The link between maternal waist circumference and the risk of ASD in children is a newly discovered finding that highlights the need for further research into the causes of ASD.

While the exact mechanism by which maternal central obesity increases the risk of ASD is unclear, the study serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy for both the mother and her child’s health.