Experts are now saying that exposure to toxic elements during pregnancy can lead to an increase in a child’s risk of having autism. There are so many rules when it comes to pregnancy, and all with good reasons. Every mom wants a happy and healthy baby, and she goes to extreme lengths to make sure that this happens. She eats what she is supposed to, she attends every doctor’s appointment and she makes sure to get lots of rest. She also has an eye out for studies and research that is changing every day.

According to The Health Site, experts have found that there are toxic elements that moms should avoid because they have shown to increase the risk of a child having autism. Further proving why women need to be well informed about everything she exposes herself to in pregnancy.

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Research was done that showed that mothers who were exposed to certain toxicants like metals and pesticides when they were pregnant had children who were more like to show autistic-like behavior. The team of researchers looked at the levels of 25 different chemicals in blood and urine samples from over 1,800 pregnant women during their first trimester. They then conducted a follow-up survey with 478 of the participants to look at autistic-like behaviors in pre-school children.

The study found that higher concentrations of cadmium, lead, and some phthalates were linked to an increase in autistic-like behavior. Those were not the only chemicals that increased the risk, they also found it with manganese, trans-Nonachlor, organophosphate pesticide metabolites and mono-ethyl phthalate. Now, these words don’t mean much for the average person, but it highlights the need to be aware of what is around you.

This research has also prompted further studies that need to be done to look at the links and impacts of these environmental chemicals on brain development during pregnancy. This is also not the first time chemicals and toxins have been linked with autistic behavior in children, and a similar study was posted here, at NCBI. These chemicals are commonly known to be unhealthy, and it seems like common sense that a woman would need to stay away from pesticides, paints or heavy chemical-laden cleaners.

These are all items that pregnant women are told to avoid when they are pregnant, especially in the first trimester. The amount of information about what an expecting mother should stay away from can be overwhelming, but it is important to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. It is always wise for any mom-to-be to speak to her doctor if she has any concerns about possible exposure.

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Sources: The Health Site, NCBI