Is Induced Labor an Environmental Factor that Increases Autism?

As many as one in 88 children in the United States alone are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD.) Yet many scientists still contemplate both environmental and genetic factors that may contribute to the risk of the health disorder.

The Autism Society links certain genetic factors to a higher risk for autism, such as having conditions including Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU.) Yet other environmental factors can also put a child at risk for the disorder, including ingestion of various toxins.

However, researchers suggests that a new environmental factor may play a role in the possibility of an ASD. In fact, a study may show that women who have induced labors could be at a greater risk of infection to the fetus once the removal of a protective barrier that surrounds the membrane holding the amniotic fluid is torn.  

Researchers at Masstricht University looked at 536 women whose water broke before they reached full term and before they began experiencing contractions at the 34^th and 37^th week mark. Half of the women were randomly assigned for induced labor while the other half followed a more natural process.

The children born after induced labor to women who were close to full-term yet did not show a significantly lower rate of infection than babies born to women who underwent a more natural childbirth that was monitored closely by doctors until labor began on its own.

The study showed that approximately 4.1 percent of children were born to women naturally compared to those who were born after induced labor. Researchers belief this percentage is small enough that it could just be due to random chance.

Babies that were born from induced labor also stayed in the hospital a half day longer than those born more naturally or were more likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit or have conditions such as jaundice or hypoglycemia.

Besides slightly higher rates of hypoglycemia and jaundice, the babies born between 34 and 37 weeks gestation were all relatively healthy with easily treatable conditions.

Rates of necessary cesarean were the same for both groups, also. However, study authors note that there were not enough participants to truly determine a clear distinction of infection rates.

More information regarding the study can be found in JAMA Pediatrics.