Having a healthy baby is a paramount concern for expectant mothers, but most don’t know that maternal toxicity, use of certain medications, diet, the microbiome, birthing practices and other factors play a large role in prenatal and perinatal health. Compelling medical research from a biomedical perspective provides further insights into ways to improve a baby’s health and development. Below, we note the areas of concern that are the most well documented in the medical literature (see Sources & References, below).

Potential Prenatal Issues Associated with Chronic Childrens Health Conditions

Maternal Toxicity

Research shows that exposure to environmental toxins can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. In addition, the landmark 2005 Body Burden: The Pollution in Newborns report by the Environmental Working Group showed that 287 toxins passed directly from mothers to their newborns’ cord blood. Toxins such as bisphenol A, organophosphate pesticides, persistent organic pollutants, phthalates, electromagnetic fields (EMFs), flame retardants and fluoride have all been shown to have adverse effects on children’s health and development.

Environmental toxins in homes can have a significant impact on maternal and fetal health. The importance of using non-toxic sealants, adhesives, paints, and VOC-free products to create healthier living environments cannot be overstated. In addition, we recommend filtering the home’s air and water as well as replacing cleaners, home-care products and personal-care products with non-toxic versions.

Acetaminophen Use

Multiple research studies document that the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy has been linked to neurodevelopmental issues such as autism and ADHD. Acetaminophen is the generic name for Tylenol, and it is also known as paracetemol in countries outside of the United States.

Maternal MTHFR Genetic Mutation

Understanding genetic predispositions is crucial for expectant mothers. For example, supplementing with folate instead of synthetic folic acid, particularly for those with the MTHFR gene mutation, is key. Adequate folate levels are imperative for reducing the risk of neural tube defects and other developmental issues.

Maternal Antibiotics and Microbiome

The maternal microbiome plays a pivotal role in the health of both the mother and the baby. Alterations in the microbiome can affect immune responses and the potential for developing chronic conditions. Research listed in Sources & References below underscores the intricate relationship between maternal microbiome diversity and developmental outcomes for the baby. Maternal use of antibiotics, even during labor, is associated with the risk of developing autism, allergies, asthma and other chronic health conditions.

Maternal Diet

A high-glycemic diet has been shown to have detrimental effects on children’s health. Type 2 diabetes is a disease caused by continuously high levels of glucose and insulin, and maternal diabetes is associated with having a child with ADHD. A paleo diet maintained during pregnancy may have a beneficial effect on glucose tolerance. 

Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy can have far-reaching consequences for fetal development. For example, low maternal levels of vitamin D are associated with the development of ADHD as well as autism. A maternal choline deficiency may also contribute to the development of autism.

Immune Activation

A maternal history of autoimmune diseases is associated with the development of autism. In addition, maternal immune activation can affect fetal neurodevelopment through inflammatory pathways.

Ultrasounds

Prenatal exposure to ultrasound waves can negatively affect the structure of the fetal brain, which could increase the risk of developing autism. Dr. Jennifer Margulis’ groundbreaking book Your Baby, Your Way describes this process in detail.

Potential Perinatal Issues Associated with Chronic Childrens Health Conditions

Birthing Practices

Caesarean birth is associated with the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD as well as other chronic children’s health conditions like asthma, likely due to the baby’s not being exposed to the mother’s vaginal microbiome. The uses of pitocin and epidural analgesia are also associated with neurodevelopmental risk, perhaps because of an association with lower APGAR scores. “Pitocin-treated infants appear to exhibit relatively low APGAR scores in muscle tone, heart rate, breathing, reflex responses and deficits in gross and fine motor development.”

Cord Clamping

Early cord clamping has been shown to lower the amounts of nutrients such as iron given to the baby after birth. In addition, infants who had delayed cord clamping after birth in general have higher amounts of mylelin, the protective sheath that protects nerve cell axons, “in important brain regions involved in motor function, visual/spatial, and sensory processing.”

Circumcision

A Danish study found that “boys who undergo ritual circumcision may run a greater risk of developing autism.” In addition, circumcised baby boys were found to experience higher levels of pain.

Conclusion

Integrating holistic perspectives with biomedical insights offers a comprehensive approach to prenatal health. Parents-to-be should prioritize creating a toxin-free environment, avoiding acetaminophen and antibiotics, understanding genetic implications, maintaining a nutrient-rich diet and avoid extraneous medical interventions during birth to support optimal health outcomes.

About Maria Rickert Hong CHHC

Maria Rickert Hong is a Co-Founder of, and the Education and Media Director for, Documenting Hope.

She is a former sell-side Wall Street equity research analyst who covered the oil services sector at Salomon Smith Barney and Lehman Brothers under Institutional Investor #1 ranked analysts.

Later, she covered the gaming, lodging & leisure sector at Jefferies & Co. and Calyon Securities. She quit working on Wall Street when her first son was born.

Prior to working on Wall Street, she was a marketing specialist for Halliburton in New Orleans, where she also received her MBA in Finance & Strategy from Tulane University.

She is the author of the bestselling book Almost Autism: Recovering Children from Sensory Processing Disorder and the co-author of Brain Under Attack: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers of Children with PANS, PANDAS, and Autoimmune Encephalitis. She is a co-author of Reversal of Autism Symptoms among Dizygotic Twins through a Personalized Lifestyle and Environmental Modification Approach: A Case Report and Review of the Literature, J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(6), 641.

Maria is also a Certified Holistic Health Counselor. Her work can be found on DocumentingHope.com, Healing.DocumentingHope.com, Conference.DocumentingHope.com and MariaRickertHong.com

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