Ongoing Thyroid Problems During Pregnancy Linked to Higher Autism Risk in Children
New research shows that women who have untreated thyroid hormone problems during pregnancy may face a higher risk of having a child diagnosed with autism.
The study was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and highlights how important it is to manage thyroid health while pregnant.
Thyroid hormones, produced by the mother, are very important for a baby’s brain development during pregnancy. When these hormones are not at the right levels, it can affect how the brain grows.
Earlier research already showed a possible connection between thyroid imbalances and a higher chance of autism in children.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and understands the world.
In this new study, scientists looked at over 51,000 births. They found that when a mother’s thyroid hormone levels stayed unbalanced during more than one trimester of pregnancy, the chance of her child being diagnosed with autism went up. However, if the thyroid imbalance was diagnosed and treated properly, there was no extra risk.
Dr. Idan Menashe, who led the study at Ben-Gurion University in Israel, explained that regular monitoring and timely treatment can make a big difference. If doctors find and treat thyroid problems early, they can help keep hormone levels normal and reduce risks to the baby’s health.
The researchers also noticed a pattern: the more trimesters affected by thyroid imbalance, the greater the risk of autism in the child. This “dose-response” relationship means that long-lasting hormone problems during pregnancy are more harmful than short-term ones.
This study was a large-scale population analysis and included experts from several medical centers and universities in Israel. No external funding was received for the work.
While the results do not prove that thyroid problems directly cause autism, they show a strong connection that deserves attention. The findings support current medical advice that pregnant women should have their thyroid function checked and treated when needed.
The study is especially important for women who may already have thyroid conditions or symptoms. Common signs of thyroid imbalance include fatigue, weight changes, and feeling too hot or cold. Pregnant women should talk with their healthcare provider about getting tested, especially during the early months of pregnancy.
The researchers stress that thyroid problems are manageable with medication and that good treatment can lower the risks to both mother and baby. Catching these issues early gives doctors a better chance to keep the pregnancy and the baby’s development on track.
In summary, this study suggests that ongoing, untreated thyroid hormone problems during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism in children. With regular checkups and proper care, these risks can likely be reduced. This adds another reason why it’s so important to monitor thyroid health as part of routine prenatal care.
If you care about autism, please read studies about a new cause of autism, and cats may help decrease anxiety for kids with autism.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about vitamin D that may hold the clue to more autism, and results showing strange eating habits may signal autism.
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