ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and autism are both neurodevelopmental disorders that affect millions of children globally.

These disorders can cause significant impairment in social, cognitive, and emotional functioning, and can have a negative impact on a child’s education. Researchers have been investigating various factors that can increase the risk of developing ADHD and autism in children, and one of the factors that has gained attention recently is a mother’s pre-pregnancy BMI.

What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared.

A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy, while a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, and a BMI over 30 is considered obese.

Pre-pregnancy BMI

Pre-pregnancy BMI is the BMI of a woman before she became pregnant. It is an important indicator of a woman’s overall health and can impact the health of her child.

Women who are overweight or obese before pregnancy are at an increased risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and premature birth.

Pre-pregnancy BMI and ADHD

Studies have found that children born to mothers who were overweight or obese before pregnancy have an increased risk of developing ADHD. In a study conducted by Rodriquez et al.

(2018), it was found that children born to mothers who were overweight or obese had a 91% and 344% increased risk of developing ADHD, respectively, compared to children born to mothers with a healthy BMI.

Pre-pregnancy BMI and Autism

Similarly, studies have also found a link between a mother’s pre-pregnancy BMI and the risk of autism in her child. In a study conducted by Krakowiak et al.

(2012), it was found that children born to mothers who were obese before pregnancy had a 67% increased risk of autism spectrum disorder, compared to children born to mothers with a healthy BMI.

The possible mechanisms linking pre-pregnancy BMI to ADHD and autism

Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, there are several hypotheses that explain the link between a mother’s pre-pregnancy BMI and the risk of ADHD and autism in her child.

One hypothesis is that high levels of inflammation in obese women could affect fetal brain development, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism. Another hypothesis is that obesity-related hormones, such as leptin and adiponectin, could impact fetal brain development and increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a mother’s pre-pregnancy BMI is an important risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism.

Children born to mothers who were overweight or obese before pregnancy have an increased risk of developing these disorders compared to children born to mothers with a healthy BMI. It is important for women to maintain a healthy weight before pregnancy to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and ensure the health of their child.