Brief Report: Pregnancy, Birth and Infant Feeding Practices: A Survey-Based Investigation into Risk Factors for
Aleesha Whitely1,2, Kerrie Shandley3,4,5, Minh Huynh6
1School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|November 12, 2021
Summary
Pregnancy and birth factors like advanced maternal age and pre-eclampsia may increase autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. Longer gestation showed a protective effect, highlighting key ASD risk and protective factors.
Area of Science:
- Developmental neuroscience
- Pediatric epidemiology
- Environmental health
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) development is linked to interconnected environmental factors.
- Identifying specific risk factors during pregnancy, birth, and infancy is crucial for early intervention.
- Understanding these factors can inform preventative strategies and improve outcomes for children with ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore potential risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) associated with the prenatal period, birth process, and infant feeding.
- To identify specific maternal and infant characteristics that may influence ASD risk.
- To investigate the interrelationships between various risk factors contributing to ASD.
Main Methods:
- An online survey collected demographic and health data from biological mothers of 4306 children aged 3-13 years.
- Logistic regression modeling was employed to analyze the association between identified factors and ASD risk.
- Data analysis focused on pregnancy, birth, and infant feeding variables.
Main Results:
- Advanced maternal age, prenatal bleeding, pre-eclampsia, and perinatal pethidine usage were associated with increased ASD risk.
- Foetal distress before birth and male infant sex were also identified as risk factors for ASD.
- Longer gestational duration was found to have a protective effect against ASD development.
Conclusions:
- Specific pregnancy and birth complications are associated with a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Male sex and certain perinatal events are potential predictors of ASD.
- Gestational duration plays a protective role, emphasizing the importance of prenatal and perinatal care in ASD risk assessment.
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