Stress/Worry in Pregnancy

[worried1216]

Hi Doc,

My husband and I just found out we are expecting a little boy this April :)

Everything at the 20 week ultrasound, looked perfect.  

I was talking to a friend a few days ago, and she was like I hope you haven't been stressed this pregnancy because they are now saying that is a link to autism!

Well...you and I both know I have been worried about my little nugget and his health since day one of this pregnancy.  Is this safe, is this not safe, can I do this, etc. etc. Oh no, I breathed this in...and it goes on and on....

Anyway...NOW I AM FREAKING OUT, that by worrying, I could have harmed my little boy.

I could only find one study linking maternal stress to autism, and that was during weeks 24-28 of pregnancy, so naturally I am now going to do everything to be STRESS FREE, from this day forward.

but I wanted to know your opinion?  

Thanks and take Care,
Worried 19weeks,5days

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I was actually noticing that you had NOT posted in awhile and thinking that you were doing quite well!  Congratulations on the gender -- I have 3 boys and they are wonderful.  I have one girl, and they are wonderful too!
Autism almost certainly has a hereditary component, which is unavoidable.
Stress is almost universally present during pregnancy, and therefore would naturally be correlated with autism, but whether or not it is causitive would be very difficult to elucidate. Avoiding and minimizing stress is always a good practice, and a good stress reduction program will be VERY helpful to you in many ways down the road.  
Naturally everyone wants a healthy baby, and you have certainly done your best to achieve that outcome -- I suspect that all will be well, and wish it so with all my heart!
Good luck!
Dr B

[sorenr]

Sorry, just noticed you were looking for a response from a doctor....clearly my comment is just some advice from one mum to another. hope you dont mind too much.

[sorenr]

Dont let these stories panic you...there have been NO conclusive studies which have found a link to autism from ANYTHING. i personally believe there is much more likely to be a genetic link (mutations in genes or hereditery) than any external factors...end of the day every single one of us is on the autistic spectrum to varying degrees, its only those who are more extreme who are diagnosed (i have studied biomedical science, im no expert but do know a little)....please try not to panic, and take "advice" with a pinch of salt or you will end up in a proper mess. i spent the whole of my first pregnancy on tenderhooks because i lost my baby's twin and i found it really difficult to bond with him because i was convinced i would lose him too even after he was born. we were both miserable for a long time...try to enjoy your pregnancy and listen to your body and natural instincts, loads of luck, im sure everything will be absolutely fine x