Register | Login
Login
Sign in with:
---------- OR ----------
Create Account | Login
Create account
As a Member You Can:
  • Join clubs to discuss your interests
  • Connect with people like you
  • Share information, seek advice, get support

   
parenting
select‌ stage
Pregnancy Topics..

You are here : home > Pregnancy > Labour and Delivery > Induced Labour And Autism: Is There A Link?

Induced Labour And Autism: Is There A Link?

Induced Labour And Autism: Is There A Link?

Recent studies have shown that there may be a link between induction of labour and autism risk in newborn babies. Read on to know about induction of labour and how it may lead to an increased risk of autism in newborns.

Recently published epidemiological studies have found that the risk of Autism in children rises when induced labour or enhancement of labour is opted for during childbirth. Although the study has been reported with casual interpretations and is not supported with apt data, it has given rise to many questions and anxieties especially to the expectant mothers.

According to the report, pregnant women, who take measures to induce or enhance labour, may have the risk of bearing an autistic child especially if it is a male child. The logic that supports this report is that anything that adds to the stress level of the newborn can plausibly trigger autism.

What is Induced Labour?

When real labour does not start on its own or gets hampered by any cause, your doctor or medical practitioner will make use of medication and other techniques to induce it. The process was of great help and was initially made use of only when the life of the child or mother was at risk. There are many reasons why induced labour is opted for by the doctor. However, there has been a significant rise in women choosing induction or augmentation of labour.

When is Induced Labour Preferred?

  • When the due date crosses one or two weeks and there is no sign of labour;
  • The water breaks, which means the fluid filled amniotic sac surrounding the baby ruptures and labour does not start on its own;
  • Tests showing that the placenta has stopped functioning properly;
  • When the pregnant mother is suffering from a chronic or acute illness;
  • The pregnant mother previously had a stillbirth.
  • Medical practitioners may choose to induce labour for a variety of other logistical reasons apart from the above situations.

What is Autism?

Autism generally appears in infancy or early childhood. Autism is a disorder that delays the development of the child in many areas like learning to talk, play and interact with others. The signs and symptoms vary widely and by educating yourself you can detect the signs early. If you find yourself concerned, you should take action. Contacting your child’s doctor immediately is good.

Until recently, scientists believed that autism is caused mostly due to genetic reasons. Recent studies, however, show that environmental factors also play a very important role in the development of autism. Other prenatal factors such as taking antidepressants during pregnancy, nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy, maternal infections, age of the mother and exposure to chemical pollutants, etc. can also cause autism development in newborns.

While there is a lot of further research needed on this topic, what is very clear from the preliminary studies is that autism occurs when the child is in the womb. You can reduce the risk of autism by taking multivitamins and practicing proper prenatal care along with regular checkups by a specialized doctor.

Considering recent studies, expectant mothers should speak to their health care professionals about the pros and cons of induction and augmentation in labour. Although there is more research needed to completely support the declaration that induction and enhancement in labour causes the child to develop autism, it is good to take precautions and avoid the situation as far as possible.

When is induction of labour preferred? Do you know the side-effects of inducing labour? Did you know that induction of labour can increase the risk of the baby being born autistic? Discuss here.



You may also be interested in:

Pain Relief Drugs
(76912 views)
Role of fathers
(26839 views)
Cancel
Save Edit
parenting
Notifications
6 Comments
Sort by Newest

avatar

Shivani Dastur
Shivani Dastur.11 years ago
amazing article. I think we should try to have natural methods for induction of labour. Natural methods are safer.
 
 
 
.
Reply
Neha
Neha.11 years ago
It was surprising to know that induction can lead to autism. It is better to avoid induction than to take a chance.
 
 
 
.
Reply
Nimisha
Nimisha.11 years ago
very informative article. Thanks for posting this article.
 
 
 
.
Reply
Back to Previous Page | More on Pregnancy Index









Subscribe




All tips on Labour And Delivery
You ever wanted in one place.
No need to go anywhere else. No spam.

*No spam only genuine emails
Follow us on:



Featured Articles - Infertility | Baby Development | Health and Fitness | How to Get Pregnant | Parenting Advice | Weight Loss | Pregnancy Advice | Name Numerology
Baby - Baby Photo Contest | Lucky Names | Lucky Birthdates | Horoscopes | Chinese Calendar | Compatibility Test | Fun Zone
Parenting - Message Boards | Planning a Baby | Pregnancy | Parents of Babies | Baby Names | Baby Name Poll | Birth Announcements | Parenting Quiz
Family - Cooking Club | Love & Relationships | Beauty Tips | Kids Weight Calculator | Recipe Maker
General - Calorie Counter | Personality Quiz | Love Signs | Compatibility Quiz