There could be so many reasons and we all know that these conditions are across the board. These sort of studies just cause worry and blame.

I was big in my mind when we tried to fall pregnant. I continually blamed myself for all of the issues we were having. Stressing made it more difficult for us and as a result I miscarried all of my possible babies. I was never blamed for my weight but to this day I still blame myself not to have carried to full term. Not sure if this study makes me feel better or worse but it still feels like being blamed by someone else.

I think every research study needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. How many studies have been performed over the years that are then totally negated by another study later? I have three children and I was at my fittest, healthiest and skinniest with my eldest and if I was going to worry about anyone, it would be her! I also don’t think it’s a blame game but trying to find out why these things happen. Unfortunately, mothers are always second guessing ourselves and wondering “what if I had done this instead would my children not have this, is it my fault my child has diabetes etc etc” now that is not genetic just something that has happened since the dawn of time. “If only” is a mental health path not to go down.

This was a very interesting read and like so much research, people react without going into more details and doing some research themselves. I feel that there is more behavioural conditions these days than there used to be when I was young. Maybe the difference is because mothers are having children at an older age, maybe it is genetic [but why isn’t the parent already with this problem themself] and maybe it is due to obesity as it is well known that there are more obese people now living than ever before. Maybe it is the environment – but does all these maybes mean we shouldn’t try to be as healthy as possible if we wish to have a child so we can give it the best chance in life?

Interesting read and informative. I never would’ve made that linkage

At the end of the day, I think the point people seem to be missing here is that we should be taking better care of our bodies both before and during pregnancy. This includes having a healthy diet and exercise. You wouldn’t see too many obese people who have both a healthy diet and regular exercise. Instead of taking offence, people need to realise that there are a lot of medical conditions and health risks associated with obesity and I wouldn’t discount the research. Yes, there are certainly genetic factors associated with autism, but it’s not to say that it’s impossible that obesity doesn’t increase the risk. It’s the same as diabetes and heart disease can be genetic, but being overweight increases the risk 10 fold.

Parents didn’t ’Hit out’ about this study, they are just more informed than this study and the person who decided to spread these disgusting and harmful lies. It genetic and has nothing to do with obesity. Absolutely nothing!

That’s interesting but all the mothers with autistic kids that I personally know of are either normal BMI or very thin. I do think articles like that one do put the blame on mothers and are fear inducing. Autism is so complex and a lot falls down to genetics. No need to be shaming mothers…..

I’m kind of shocked that they name Conduct Diusorder is the same context as possibly being caused by obesity before and during pregnancy ! Causes of Conduct Disorder in children have more to do with experienceds of abuse, parental rejection or neglect together with possibly biological factors, alcohol & drugs use during pregnancy and being diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders.

I have read some of these comments and also read an article similar to this previously. I tend to not agree with this article and think more research needs to be completed before an article like this is published. It is important to ensure studies have been done and that we have all the facts before making assumptions like these.

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 09 Oct 2024 , 6:05 am

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  It is a very interesting article to share with the community and it is good to promote respectful discussion and different opinions. Everyone has the opportunity to dig deeper and do further research on the subject. There are a number of different studies about health and I do like studies that are backed with solid and well respected data and evidence; it pays to read information from a variety of sources.

I came down right in the middle of this one. I expressed concern about blaming mums (and did anyone look at the effect of obesity in dads?) but at the same time we have to be honest – maternal obesity is a risk for multiple things, and parents should be aware of it.

People will find offense and take any guilt they might have out on other avenues with small things, let alone anything to do with their children. It’s not a nice thing to hear, but choices we make while pregnant do and will have an impact on our babies. We only blame ourselves if we think we could have done better.

Very interesting to link that to the findings!

A tough read…as someone who has a sister with 2 kids on the spectrum and she’s the fittest, healthiest woman I know…and even with abs after now having 5 kids…not sure how well versed the study is…and for those with family and friends that are neurodiverse this may be misleading.

This seems to be one of those issues where the difference between correlation and causation needs to be considered as well. For instance, is it types of food being consumed rather than obesity itself, is there a link between obesity and individuals with ASD – and if so is it that they are passing ASD genetically instead.

Nope, don’t agree with this study, what a load of BS.
Autism is genetic. Not only is this article and study harmful misinformation but also very disrespectful to the neurodiverse community and mothers. Being a mother can be hard enough without their weight being blamed for their children being autistic.

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  • • Nana Caz replied
    • 09 Oct 2024 , 8:53 pm

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  Couldn’t agree more with you on this one. I’ve always been told by paediatricians that Autism and all that’s on the spectrum are genetic. My daughter had 2 boys with Asperger’s and she was fit and never once allowed herself to get overweight. This story hasn’t been researched enough to make these claims. Totally wrong.

Grasping at straws maybe but good that they’re still looking for causes

I think being healthy leading up to pregnancy and during pregnancy is very important to mitigate any possible health issues for the mother and baby. We all want our babies to be healthy and the best place to start is before you start trying for a baby.

It’s only talking about gaining weight during pregnancy, what about if women are already obese when they fall pregnant. Does it make a difference then as well?

It is incredibly important to share this kind of information, but given how hard it is to deal with obesity – and what a widespread problem it is – I’m a bit wary of it being made something that women are blamed for. I would prefer to see obesity dealt with as a societal problem.