Table of contents:
- Prevent autism since in the womb
- Apply a healthy lifestyle
- Do not take any medication during pregnancy
- Meet the needs of iron
- Take folic acid supplements
- Get regular check-ups to the doctor
Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disorder that causes a person to have difficulty communicating and behaving. People with autism find it difficult to understand what other people think and feel, including difficulty expressing themselves. That's why many parents try to prevent autism as early as possible, even in the womb. Could this be done?
Prevent autism since in the womb
Until now, there is no definite explanation regarding the cause of a child experiencing autism. However, scientists believe genetics to be the biggest factor that can cause it.
During pregnancy, doctors cannot detect whether the child who is still in the womb has autism or not. Moreover, the biggest factor that causes autism, namely genetics that cannot be changed.
Although it cannot be prevented, there are several things you can do to improve the health and development of the fetus in the womb. Some of the things below you can do during pregnancy to improve your health, as well as to prevent autism in children since the womb.
Improving the health of pregnant women is very important. By maintaining health, pregnant women and the fetus in their womb can avoid the risk of various diseases. One of them is to reduce the risk of autism in the child it is carrying.
Implementing a healthy lifestyle can be done by consuming adequate and nutritious food, staying away from cigarettes and alcohol, and exercising. Discuss with your obstetrician about what foods are good to eat and exercise that is right for your pregnancy conditions.
If you become sick during pregnancy, ask your doctor what treatment you can take. If you need medication, also ask about drugs that can be consumed during pregnancy. Taking drugs carelessly while pregnant can cause autism in your child.
Scientists have found a link between pregnant women who take drugs and the risk of autism in their children. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that valproate (a drug for epilepsy and other neurological disorders) can increase the risk of autism when taken while pregnant.
A study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that pregnant women who are deficient in iron are more likely to have children with autism than those without iron deficiency.
Therefore, efforts to prevent autism in the womb can be done by meeting iron needs during pregnancy. The role of iron is very important for fetal brain growth. However, the fact is that half of pregnant women are still deficient in iron.
You can meet your iron needs during pregnancy through food and supplements. Some foods that are rich in iron, such as meat, seafood, eggs, bread and cereals. Meanwhile, for iron-boosting supplements, discuss with your doctor what the right supplement is.
The baby's brain begins to develop while still in the womb. The folate or vitamin B9 is very important for brain development. A mother who is deficient in folate during pregnancy increases the risk of autism in the child she is born with. Therefore, it is better to take folic acid supplements during pregnancy.
To find out about the development of the fetus in the womb, don't forget to always do regular checkups to the doctor. The doctor will provide advice on the condition of your pregnancy exactly.
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