Does chronic stress during pregnancy raise the risk of autism in children? Research points to a possible link, but it is not the only factor and works alongside genes and other influences.
Experts note that when a pregnant woman faces ongoing stress, her body releases hormones like cortisol. These hormones can pass through the placenta to the baby. There, they might change how certain genes work in the developing brain. Dr. Adaobi Okeke, a neurology specialist, explained that this can make a child more likely to develop autism if other risks are present. She shared this at a recent health symposium. Stress after birth might also play a role, as stress chemicals could reach the baby through breast milk.
New studies build on this idea with a three-hit model for autism. The first hit is genetic sensitivity, where some children inherit traits that make their cells react strongly to stress. The second hit comes from early triggers like maternal infections, immune stress, or pollution during late pregnancy. The third hit happens when the body’s stress response, called the cell danger response, stays active too long. This response uses signals like extracellular ATP to protect cells but can disrupt brain growth if prolonged. Researchers at the University of California San Diego say this model explains many cases and suggests early help could prevent up to half of them. Triggers often start in pregnancy and continue into the first few years of life.
Other factors tied to maternal stress add to the risk. Things like smoking, alcohol use, or drug exposure during pregnancy link to brain changes and higher autism odds. For example, cannabis use has shown a twofold increase in autism diagnosis in some studies. Social issues like domestic violence or lack of support worsen these effects. Autism overall comes from a mix of genes and environment, not stress alone.
Ways to lower risk focus on reducing stress. Building support for pregnant women, spotting high-risk cases early, and creating calm environments help. Schools and caregivers can foster trust and emotional safety for young children too. While more research is needed, these steps offer hope for healthier starts.
Sources
https://guardian.ng/features/health/medical-experts-link-autism-to-stress-on-women-during-pregnancy-after-birth/
https://nhsjs.com/2025/impact-of-maternal-negative-behaviors-on-fetal-neurological-development-and-elevated-autism-risk/
https://neurosciencenews.com/genetics-asd-preventable-30034/
https://today.ucsd.edu/story/three-hit-model-describes-the-causes-of-autism
https://www.technologynetworks.com/proteomics/news/why-autism-may-be-a-treatable-metabolic-signaling-disorder-407886
https://dpcpsi.nih.gov/autism-data-science-initiative/funded-research
https://www.labcompare.com/617-News/623276-Biological-Model-Suggests-Autism-is-Based-on-3-Conditions/
