New statistics show there are more children living with autism in the U.S. than researchers thought. And while some of that spike may be due to better methods for detecting the disorder, experts say there could be environmental factors at play. Now, a new study suggests one of those factors could be a mother's weight during pregnancy.
The risk for autism can be elevated even before a child is born. Not because of genetics, but rather the birth mother's weight. "Her biochemistry really has a profound impact on development -- including brain development," said Dr. Irva Hertz-Picciotto, of the UC Davis MIND Institute.
A new study of 1,000 mothers and their children finds women who are obese during pregnancy are 60 percent more likely to have a child with autism and two times more likely to have a child with a developmental delay. Having Type 2 Diabetes, a condition often linked to obesity, also increases the risk. "Diabetes in particular was associated with poorer scores in terms of language," Dr. Hertz-Picciotto said.
Researchers say conditions that cause a spike in insulin can starve a mother's tissues of oxygen, lowering the oxygen supply to their unborn child and potentially affecting its brain development.
Right now, more than 60 percent of women of childbearing age in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese. "If you are planning a pregnancy you might want to think about losing weight, getting your exercise routine in order and controlling your blood sugar," Dr. Hertz-Picciotto said. Those are all factors that could help the next generation's physical and mental health.
The study finds children without autism whose mothers were obese or diabetic during pregnancy also had deficits in problem solving and language, but not as severe as those diagnosed with a developmental disorder.
Do you think obesity during pregnancy could be linked to autism? How important do you think it is to maintain a healthy weight while pregnant? Leave your thoughts below.
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Information courtesy NBC News
