Pregnancy complications are a common issue that can arise when a woman is pregnant. These complications can range from minor to severe, and can affect both the mother and the baby.

Research has shown that some pregnancy complications may lead to an increased risk of autism in children. In this article, we will explore some of the most common pregnancy complications and their connection to autism.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition that affects about 5 to 8 percent of all pregnant women. It is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Preeclampsia can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby, and can lead to premature birth and low birth weight.

According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of California, children born to mothers who had preeclampsia during pregnancy were more than twice as likely to develop autism than children born to mothers who did not have preeclampsia.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can be harmful to the mother and the baby.

Women who have gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

A study conducted by researchers from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research found that children born to mothers with gestational diabetes were 63 percent more likely to develop autism than children born to mothers without gestational diabetes.

Bleeding During Pregnancy

Bleeding during pregnancy can occur for a variety of reasons, including implantation bleeding, cervical irritation, and placenta previa. It can also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

A study conducted by researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that women who experienced bleeding during pregnancy were more likely to have a child with autism than women who did not experience bleeding.

Preterm Birth

Preterm birth, also known as premature birth, occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm birth can lead to a variety of health problems for the baby, including respiratory distress syndrome, brain injury, and vision problems.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan found that children born preterm were more than three times as likely to develop autism as children born at full term.

Low Birth Weight

Low birth weight is a term used to describe babies who are born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces. Low birth weight can be caused by a variety of factors, including premature birth and growth restriction in the womb.

A study conducted by researchers from the Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark found that children born with low birth weight were more likely to develop autism than children born with normal birth weight.

Maternal Infections

Maternal infections, such as influenza and rubella, can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. Infections during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

According to a study conducted by researchers from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, children born to mothers who had an infection during pregnancy were more likely to develop autism than children born to mothers without an infection.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It can lead to a variety of health problems, including weight gain, fatigue, and depression.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Cincinnati found that children born to mothers with hypothyroidism during pregnancy were more likely to develop autism than children born to mothers without hypothyroidism.

Breech Presentation

Breech presentation occurs when a baby is positioned with his or her feet or buttocks pointing toward the birth canal. It can lead to complications during delivery, including cord prolapse and umbilical cord compression.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of California found that children who were born in breech presentation were more likely to develop autism than children who were born in the normal head-first presentation.

Multiple Pregnancy

Multiple pregnancy, also known as twins, triplets, or more, can be a high-risk pregnancy. Women pregnant with multiples are at an increased risk of developing preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth.

According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, children conceived as part of multiple pregnancies were more likely to develop autism than children conceived as singletons.

Conclusion

Pregnancy complications can be stressful and concerning for any mother.

While many of these complications can be successfully managed with medical intervention, research has shown that some complications may be associated with an increased risk of autism in children. It is important for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to monitor their health closely and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.