Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. According to recent statistics, one in every 54 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism.

Research has shown that there is a link between autism and mother’s pregnancy, including maternal exposure to certain factors during pregnancy that increase the risk of a child being born with autism.

Genetic Factors of Autism

Autism is a complex disorder with a genetic basis. While not all individuals diagnosed with autism have a family history of the disorder, many do. Some genetic mutations, inherited or spontaneous, are believed to increase the risk of autism.

For this reason, researchers have been studying the genetics of autism for decades. However, the genetic factors of autism alone cannot entirely explain the high prevalence of the disorder. Scientists are now looking at other environmental factors that may increase the risk of autism.

Maternal Infections During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a mother’s immune system changes to accommodate the developing fetus. However, sometimes infections can cross the placenta and cause harm to the baby.

Recent studies have found that certain infections during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism. Maternal infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasmosis can cause inflammation in the fetal brain, which may result in autism spectrum symptoms.

Additionally, a 2015 study found that women who had a severe infection requiring hospitalization during pregnancy were more likely to have a child with autism.

Prenatal Exposure to Chemicals

Exposure to environmental chemicals during pregnancy is a concern because they can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus. Certain chemicals, such as organophosphate pesticides, have been linked to developmental delays and autism.

In a 2014 study, researchers found that children born to women who lived within a mile of fields where these pesticides are sprayed were at a higher risk of developing autism. Other chemicals, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury, have also been associated with an increased risk of autism.

Use of Certain Medications During Pregnancy

The use of certain medications during pregnancy has been linked to autism. For example, thalidomide, a medication often used to treat morning sickness, was found to increase the risk of autism in a 2015 study.

Additionally, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressant medications, have been associated with an increased risk of autism in some studies.

Mother’s Age and Pregnancy Complications

Advanced maternal age is a well-known risk factor for autism. According to a 2012 study, women over the age of 35 are more likely to have a child with autism than younger women.

Additionally, pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth have been associated with an increased risk of autism.

Conclusion

Autism is a complex disorder with a multifactorial etiology. While genetic factors play a significant role in the development of autism, environmental factors during pregnancy have been associated with an increased risk of the disorder.

Maternal infections, exposure to environmental chemicals, use of certain medications, advanced maternal age, and pregnancy complications are among the factors that have been linked to autism. Understanding these risk factors may help researchers develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies for autism.