Pregnancy is overwhelming and comes with several myths and misconceptions. One misconception is that women bear sole responsibility for children with autism and other related conditions. However, the truth is somewhere in the middle, as genetic, environmental, and prenatal factors should be considered when analysing a child’s growth. Dr Sonam Kothari, Pediatric neurologist and Founder of Butterfly Learnings, Mumbai, busted the myths.
Are Women Responsible For Passing Neurological Diseases To A Child?
Neurological Conditions
Dr Sonam highlighted that there is no doubt genetics is one of the major contributors to the set of certain neurological conditions; however, it is vital to acknowledge that most conditions are not exclusively matrifocal.
She mentioned that reports by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) claim that genotypic mutations or some genetic predispositions in both parents can increase the chances of a child suffering from neurological issues such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy.
She mentioned that, unfortunately, in a majority of cases, these issues stem from a combination of factors rather than solely from maternal influence. This is exemplified by the fact that while it has been established that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have a strong hereditary component, other external factors have also been shown to play a role. This suggests that the condition is much more complicated than simple maternal causation.
Prenatal Stress
According to Dr Sonam, another compelling aspect is prenatal stress. It has been shown, for example, through anxiety and depression, that elevated stress levels during pregnancy can impair the development of brain structures in the foetus.
She mentioned a study that revealed that stress in mothers is associated with several paediatric cognitive and emotional problems, such as deficits in attention, memory, and emotional regulation. These results underscore the importance of adequate caring for expectant mothers’ mental health, as untreated stress can impact the baby’s development across various aspects, particularly neurologically.
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Pregnancy Brain
According to Dr Sonam, another commonly misinterpreted myth is ‘pregnancy brain,’ which is characterised by forgetfulness or cognitive slippage. The National Institute of Health (NIH) points out that alterations in memory and brain activity are likely a byproduct of hormonal fluctuations and not a deficit in cognitive functioning. These modifications do not necessarily indicate an impending risk of a child suffering from neurological impairment in the child, but expectant mothers may experience a sense of mental dullness.
Neurological problems are rarely inherited and are usually the result of a broad range of genetic factors combined with multifactorial influences. Providing adequate care to the mother, including stress management and medical intervention, plays a crucial role in ensuring proper fetal development.
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