Chandigarh, January 7, 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): Pregnancy is a dream for many women, but even a small mistake can have significant consequences. New research has shown that taking certain common medications during pregnancy can lead to abnormal births. According to studies, using anti-inflammatory drugs during pregnancy can increase the risk of the baby being born with autism. Many people worldwide take anti-inflammatory drugs during pregnancy, which are a type of steroid.
Impact on Cognitive Abilities
A report by Daily Mail mentioned a study conducted on children affected by autism. The study revealed that children whose mothers took glucocorticoids during pregnancy had a 30-50% higher risk of autism. Glucocorticoids include medications like prednisone and cortisone.
The study also found that women who take these medications during pregnancy may have children with intellectual disabilities, attention deficits, hyperactivity disorders, and anxiety issues. Glucocorticoids mimic the hormone cortisol, which is produced in the adrenal glands and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
These medications are often prescribed to pregnant women suffering from inflammation-related disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma, or autoimmune diseases. When used in limited amounts, they don’t cause significant harm, but excessive use that allows the drug to reach the fetus can negatively impact the baby’s brain development.
Approximately 2-3% of pregnant women take glucocorticoids. Common glucocorticoid medications include prednisone, triamcinolone acetonide, and methylprednisolone. Steroid drugs like betamethasone and dexamethasone also fall under this category. These medications are given to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery and are injected into the arms, legs, or wrists. While the negative effects of excessive glucocorticoid use have been known—such as weight gain and an increased risk of osteoporosis—this is the first time it has been observed that babies born after the mother takes these drugs could develop autism.
Summary: Taking glucocorticoid medications during pregnancy can increase the risk of autism, intellectual disabilities, and hyperactivity in children, affecting brain development when used excessively.