What is important to know about pregnancy and motherhood for women with autism

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. It is the most common developmental disorder in the world.

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty communicating and interacting with others. This means that, for example, children may not respond to their name, not speak, not make friends, and not be interested in peers. Also, people with the disorder are characterized by repetitive behavior: clapping, flapping their arms, an insistent demand for sameness, constancy, excessive enthusiasm for certain things. Sensory features such as avoidance of contact are also characteristic.

There are currently no medications that can cure the disorder. A person lives with it all his life. This means that autistic children become adults who, just like other people, work, make friends, fall in love, get married and have children.

What you need to know about pregnancy and motherhood with ASD

In general, pregnancy in women with ASD proceeds the same as in everyone else, but there are still some differences. This also applies to motherhood.

1. An autistic mother has an increased chance of giving birth to a child with the disorder, but not significantly.

Research testify that autism is genetic in nature. In total, there are more than 300 different genes associated with the disorder. However, the bulk of mutations associated with it are associated with non-inherited genetic changes. This means that if there are people with ASD in the family, the likelihood of having a child with autism increases, but not significantly.

Thus, the results of a study conducted in Sweden in 2020, showIt is estimated that approximately 3 to 5% of children who have an aunt or uncle with autism may also have ASD. No differences were found in which line—maternal or paternal—there is a relative with the disorder. But it is worth understanding: on average, 1.5% of children in the world have autism.

2. Autistic mothers have an increased risk of preterm birth.

The results of a study on the characteristics of pregnancy in women with ASD, show: In mothers, the disorder increases the risk of premature birth, as well as some other complications. For example, fetal growth retardation.

This means that during pregnancy, a woman with ASD needs additional supervision and support from doctors.

3. Doctors should be aware of the autistic mother’s diagnosis.

Research shows that people with autism are more likely to have allergies, cardiovascular And gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders.

But communication difficulties may make people with ASD less likely to seek medical help. Therefore, a woman may need additional support. Moreover, both at the planning stage and during pregnancy. Not only medical workers and support service specialists, but also family members and close people can help. For example, they can help a pregnant woman contact specialists and establish trusting relationships with them.

Doctors need to understand how an autistic woman communicates, processes sensory information, and responds to change and stress.

4. Autistic mothers are more likely to experience prenatal and postpartum depression

According to a UK study, autistic mothers are more likely to collide with mental health problems. For example, prenatal or postpartum depression, as well as anxiety disorder.

Women were also more likely to report difficulties with household responsibilities and multitasking. Some also said that it was not easy for them to create social opportunities for their children. For example, so that he goes to kindergarten, school, and developmental clubs.

Also, mothers often noted their anxiety and talked about how it was difficult for them to seek support. They don’t understand what information is worth sharing with professionals.

5. Autistic women can be great mothers.

Like other people, some autistic women want children and others do not. But the most important thing is that they can be excellent mothers. Despite the fact that they have to face a lot of difficulties, they are willing and able to overcome them.

For example, breastfeeding may be uncomfortable for some autistic women. However, they breastfeed successfully because they believe it is in the best interests of their child.

Some autistic traits can be an advantage in parenting.

Thus, the desire for structure and order helps autistic mothers make sure that their children go to classes and see doctors on time.

How to support an autistic woman during pregnancy and after childbirth

In order to calmly go through the pregnancy period and become a successful mother, many women with ASD need additional support from specialists and, of course, acceptance from loved ones and society.

Listen to the woman

Do not intimidate or overwhelm a woman with ASD with advice. Give her the opportunity to share her feelings and concerns and help her plan for the future.

Create a calm atmosphere

Calmness and predictability are important to autistic people. Think together about what helps a woman calm down and enjoy herself. You can even use breathing practices. A good option would be to go for walks together in the fresh air. This is an opportunity to have a pleasant and useful time.

Help establish contact with doctors

Close people can help the expectant mother with choosing a maternity hospital and planning visits to the doctor. Some may need assistance to register for pregnancy at the antenatal clinic.

Before going to a specialist, you can try together to make a list of questions that a woman wants to ask a specialist. Then it will be easier for her to communicate and cope with anxiety at the reception.

If you visit the doctor with the expectant mother, be patient and respectful.

Give her the opportunity to answer the doctor’s questions herself, do not speak for her.

It is also worth considering that some procedures, such as examination by a gynecologist, can cause serious discomfort and anxiety in a woman. Therefore, you need to prepare for them in advance.

Participate in preparation for childbirth

Many women attend childbirth preparation classes. For an autistic mom, this can be important. It is good if the future father or another family member undergoes training with her.

Consider reducing sensory load

Women without disorders during pregnancy are characterized by increased sensitivity to smells and tastes. For an autistic mother this can be even more pronounced.

Together with the woman, think in advance about how to reduce sensory load, for example, when visiting a antenatal clinic, and later in the maternity hospital.

Pay attention to successes

Try to pay more attention to what mom does well. Support decisions that will promote her health and well-being. Remember that criticism and direct advice will not help, but rather will only upset the woman.