[Technology Saw] – A New Study Reveals Why You Might Have Autistic Boys as a Mother.
Highlights:
- Moms of autistic boys drank more diet sodas during pregnancy than moms of non-autistic boys.
- Autism diagnoses in US children have increased in recent decades. While better diagnosis might be a factor, researchers are exploring other reasons.
- Scientists are studying how a mother’s actions during pregnancy might affect autism development in their children.
- Aspartame in diet sodas breaks down into methanol in the body. Some studies suggest higher methanol intake from consuming aspartame could increase autism risk in babies.
- In a study with families having autistic and non-autistic children, higher diet soda or aspartame intake during pregnancy was linked to more severe autism signs in boys but not in girls.
- What not to eat or drink while pregnant as a mother.
Autism is a condition where people have difficulty with social interaction, communication and repetitive behaviors. It’s like a big umbrella term because it includes a wide range of symptoms and how severe they are in different people.
First, this study found that moms of autistic boys drank a lot more diet sodas during pregnancy compared to moms whose boys didn’t have autism.
But this difference wasn’t seen in moms of girls with autism. This study was published in a science journal called Nutrients.
In the US, more kids have been diagnosed with autism over the past few decades. Some of this rise is because doctors are better at spotting autism now, but scientists are also trying to figure out if there are other reasons why it’s become more common.
One thing they are looking at is what happens when a baby is still in its mom’s belly. Some things that moms eat or do during pregnancy might have an effect on whether a child develops autism or not.
For example, taking certain vitamins during pregnancy seems to lower the chances of a child having autism. But on the flip side, eating certain things like a type of sweetener called aspartame might raise the risk of autism.
Aspartame is in a lot of diet sodas. The body breaks it down into different stuff, and one of those things is methanol.
Some studies suggest that higher methanol intake, which happens when moms consume aspartame might make it more likely for their babies to have autism.
So, scientists wanted to see if there’s a link between how much diet soda or aspartame moms had during pregnancy and if their kids ended up with autism.
They found that moms who had more diet soda or aspartame during pregnancy had boys who showed more severe signs of autism.
But this link wasn’t there for girls. This made the researchers think that the effects of drinking diet soda might specifically impact boys when they are still babies growing inside their mom.
They studied around 235 families with a child who had autism and 121 families with kids who didn’t. The parents shared information about their families and the kids, like if they had autism or other related conditions.
They also answered questions about what they ate and drank while they were pregnant.
Around 24% to 30% of moms said they used low-calorie sweeteners or diet sodas during pregnancy.
The researchers divided them into groups based on how much they had. They found that the more diet soda or aspartame moms had during pregnancy, the higher the chances their boys might have more severe signs of autism.
But here is the thing: this study doesn’t prove that drinking diet soda causes autism in boys. It just shows there might be a connection.
Also, people had to remember what they ate and drank during pregnancy, which might not be 100% accurate.
So, while this study suggests a link, more research is needed to say for sure if diet sodas during pregnancy are really linked to having autistic boys.
Scientists might need to study this more directly by watching what moms eat and drink while they are pregnant. This is in order to be able to draw causation.
Pregnant Woman
Physically, a pregnant woman’s body goes through remarkable transformations to nurture and support the new life growing inside her.
Right from conception, hormonal shifts set off a series of changes, kickstarting the development of the placenta—a vital link between mother and child.
As the baby grows, the uterus expands to accommodate the increasing size, often causing discomfort like morning sickness and fatigue.
Emotionally, pregnancy is a rollercoaster ride, stirring up a range of feelings from excitement and happiness to worry and doubt.
Expectant mothers may feel deeply connected to their unborn child, becoming more attuned to their needs. At the same time, concerns about childbirth, parenting and the future can trigger vulnerability and uncertainty.
Managing pregnancy requires a comprehensive approach to health and well-being. Prenatal care, including regular doctor visits, dietary advice and prenatal supplements, is crucial for both the mother’s and baby’s well-being.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—getting enough rest, staying active and managing stress—is key to optimal outcomes.
However, pregnancy comes with its share of challenges. Complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and miscarriage can bring fear and anxiety.
Moreover, societal pressures and cultural norms around pregnancy can add extra stress, influencing decisions about childbirth, parenting and a woman’s identity as a mother.
What Not to Eat or Drink While Pregnant as a Mother
When you are pregnant, it’s crucial to pay attention to what you eat. This is for both your well-being and your baby’s health. It’s not just about focusing on the good stuff; you also need to steer clear of certain foods and drinks.
This is a straightforward list of things you should be mindful of:
Watch Your Fish Choices
Some fish like sharks, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish have high levels of mercury. This can harm your baby’s developing nervous system. Choose low-mercury options like salmon, shrimp, or trout.
Handle raw stuff with care.
Avoid raw or undercooked seafood, sushi and dishes with raw eggs (like certain homemade dressings or mayo). They might carry harmful bacteria that could be risky for both you and your baby.
Go for Pasteurized Dairy: Stick to pasteurized milk and dairy. This is to avoid harmful bacteria like Listeria that could cause foodborne illnesses.
Keep an eye on your daily caffeine intake, including sources like certain teas, sodas and chocolate.
Skip the Alcohol – There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. It can lead to serious issues for your baby’s development, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Moderate Treats: It’s okay to indulge occasionally, but relying too much on highly processed foods and sweets can lead to excessive weight gain. This can lead to a lack of essential nutrients.
Aim for a balanced diet with fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean proteins.
Clean Your Produce: To reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, give your fruits and veggies a good wash. This is to get rid of potential contaminants, pesticides or bacteria.
Check Your Teas and Supplements: Some herbal teas and supplements might not be safe during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any to make sure they won’t cause issues.
Mind Your Fish Liver Intake: While fish is great for omega-3 fatty acids, too much fish liver oil (high in vitamin A) can lead to vitamin A toxicity. This isn’t good for your developing baby.
Be Cautious with Raw Sprouts: Raw sprouts like alfalfa, clover and radish can harbor harmful bacteria. Cook them thoroughly to lower the risk of bacterial contamination.
Most importantly, your healthcare provider is your go-to person for personalized advice during pregnancy.
They can guide you on maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet to support a healthy pregnancy. This is based on your specific needs. So, make them your best friends.