cross-posted from: https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/42741188
James Walker, a professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Leeds, said the research had helped to “cut through the noise” regarding recent concerns regarding whether medications taken by mothers during pregnancy could affect their babies.
“The practical message is straightforward” Walker said. “Women with moderate or severe depression should not stop their antidepressants in pregnancy out of fear of causing autism or ADHD. Depression that goes untreated in pregnancy carries real risks of its own, for the mother, the pregnancy and for the developing baby, including a higher chance of premature birth, postnatal depression and difficulties bonding with the baby. For milder depression, talking therapies and other non-medication approaches are usually tried first, in line with current guidelines. As always, decisions in pregnancy are personal and should be made with a clinician who knows the woman’s history.”
Yes - I’ve heard that women with autism are more likely to experience pains in pregnancy and thus choose to use painkiller (e.g Tylenol or another brand of paracetamol). Autism being sometimes inherited, there is then a correlation if you study it.
This sounded weird to me, but I also have heard women who give birth at a later age are more likely to have a child with autism. Maybe older pregnant women will have more pain during pregnancy? In which case there should be a correlation between painkillers usage while pregnant, and autism rates in offspring.
People with autism also tend to be more sensitive to physical stimulus of any sort and so may more acutely experience bodily sensations.