Autism Spectrum Disorder happens to be a neurological condition that leads to significant delays of development especially in the case of functioning socially. Although the actual cure for this is not yet found, studies suggest that high blood pressure, abnormal bleeding and complications like preterm birth and caesarean birth may all enhance the autism risks.
More problems during delivery and pregnancy result in more serious autism feature developing in the child in the mother’s womb.
The Womb is Critical as It Is the Baby’s Earliest Environment
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As the foetal brain generates about 2,50,000 neurons every 60 seconds during pregnancy, the experiences during pregnancy can interfere with the developing brain in lasting ways.
Studies have linked autism to a number of factors in pregnancy and among them, the diet taken up by the mother, the medicines she takes and the metabolic conditions that she experiences all can have a significant effect on the child’s autism probabilities.
Here are some of the things that you should keep in mind while pregnant to reduce the chances of autism in your unborn child. Take a look.
Manage a Nutritious Diet
Pregnant women can reduce the chances of autism by eating a colourful and organic diet enriched with green veggies and fruits that are rich in antioxidants. You are recommended to have at least, 80 grams of protein every day from lean sources like nuts, chicken and turkey. Many health experts opine that you should decrease taking white foods. In fact, it is also recommended that the would-be mother must opt for 400-800 mcg of folic acids. Enhancing the vitamin D intake has been related to foetuses displaying better neurological development. The women who are expecting must drink 8 glasses of water that is filtered, limit the levels of mercury and enhance the omega 3s. A moderate gaining of weight by around 35 pounds is normal during pregnancy.
Reduce the Level of Pollution
Usually, the most consistent environmental association with the risk of autism is exposure to air pollution. The risk usually doubles for the kids born to the women who have to face high levels of pollution, especially in the 3rd trimester. The enhanced the level of exposure, the greater the risk. There are several ways of protecting yourself from pollution which can include the following – workout away from the areas that are highly trafficked, fill the tank once it is dark and when the pollution levels are high, exercise indoors. These will help in the prevention of infections that are seen to be connected with the formation of autism in children.
Control Your Obesity, Stress, Diabetes Before and During Pregnancy
Obesity, diabetes before and during pregnancy, stress can all be associated with autism in the child. All either impair the signalling of immunity or induce inflammation. It has also been seen that women, who are obese, are 36% more likely than the ladies at a healthy weight to have kids diagnosed with Autism later.
Stay in Good Health
Regular check-ups with the obstetrician and family physician are essential. Maternal health all through the pregnancy can affect the unborn child to a great extent. The mother should go for an influenza shot and must be immunized against Rubella or German Measles. The viral infections can interfere with the brain cells of the baby and change the neural connections. Pregnant women should also avoid the prescriptions especially the anti-depressants with medical supervision. You can also ask your dentist to remove the mercury-based amalgam fillings. The neurological functions of the babies are naturally enhanced by passing through the birth canal. So if you can avoid the unnecessary Caesarean sections.
These are just some of the ways by following which you can avoid the risks of autism in your child during your pregnancy. However, if you notice any sign or symptom in your child, later, that is not common at any age, you should consult with a reputed child psychologist and introduce him or her to autism treatment when and if the need arises. Remember that early intervention can have miraculous effects and thus you should not delay if you suspect the onset of this condition in your child.
Conclusion
Every pregnancy is unique for every mother and it’s not easy for every mother to avoid all potential risks to her newborn baby. You can take some simple steps to decrease Autism Risks for many conditions. Apart from that, it’s important to remember that autism has a strong connection with the parent’s genetics. If your partner has autism or any family member suffer from autism in this case autism chances increase. It’s doesn’t matter how carefully you manage your pregnancy.
