You’re doing everything “right” in pregnancy—taking your prenatal vitamins, going to your check-ups, watching what you eat—so hearing that a pregnancy complication might increase your child’s risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can feel terrifying.


New research highlighted by the New York Post suggests that a common but often overlooked complication may be associated with a higher chance of ASD. The reassuring part: when this condition is identified and treated, the increased risk does not appear to hold. In other words, awareness and timely care really matter.


Pregnant woman holding her belly during a prenatal check-up
Many pregnancy complications can be managed safely when they’re caught and treated early.

In this guide, we’ll unpack what researchers have found, why it does not mean parents are to blame, and the practical steps you can take with your care team to protect both you and your baby.


What Does the New Autism Risk Research Actually Say?

The New York Post coverage refers to new research indicating that a frequently seen pregnancy complication is linked with a higher likelihood of having a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The headline is understandably alarming, but the details are more nuanced and, importantly, include good news.


  • Association, not destiny: The research shows a statistical association between the complication and ASD—not that one directly causes the other.
  • Treatment appears protective: When the complication was diagnosed and treated appropriately, the elevated risk of ASD largely disappeared.
  • Multiple factors involved: Genetics, environment, pregnancy health, and chance all play roles in autism risk. No single factor tells the whole story.

“Parents should understand that these findings highlight the importance of good prenatal care rather than assigning blame. Treatable pregnancy complications are just that—treatable.”
— Maternal–Fetal Medicine specialist, summarizing recent literature

Because the New York Post article is a popular summary rather than a scientific paper, it’s important to interpret it in light of broader research. Over the past decade, studies in journals such as JAMA Pediatrics, Pediatrics, and The Lancet Psychiatry have explored how pregnancy conditions like high blood pressure, infections, diabetes, or severe inflammation might relate to later neurodevelopmental outcomes. Across these studies, a consistent theme emerges: when complications are recognized early and managed well, risks are usually much lower than headlines suggest.


How Pregnancy Complications Can Affect a Baby’s Developing Brain

While each condition is different, many pregnancy complications share a few pathways that may influence brain development:


  1. Changes in blood flow to the placenta
    When blood flow or oxygen delivery is reduced, even temporarily, it can stress the developing baby. Chronic or severe problems can increase the risk of preterm birth or growth restriction, which in turn are linked with a higher chance of learning or developmental differences.
  2. Inflammation in the mother’s body
    Infections or inflammatory conditions during pregnancy can trigger immune responses. Some studies suggest that high levels of certain inflammatory markers may be associated with neurodevelopmental differences, including ASD, though the evidence is mixed and not yet definitive.
  3. Metabolic and hormonal shifts
    Conditions like gestational diabetes or thyroid problems can alter the levels of glucose and hormones that reach the fetus. Careful monitoring and treatment usually keep these within safe ranges.

Importantly, the presence of one of these pathways does not mean a child will have autism. Many children exposed to pregnancy complications are born healthy and develop typically. Risk is about probabilities, not guarantees.


A Real-World Story: When Early Treatment Makes a Difference

In a maternal–fetal medicine clinic I once supported, a patient—let’s call her Maya—came in around 24 weeks pregnant, feeling “a little off.” Her blood pressure was creeping up, and she had some mild swelling. Nothing dramatic, but enough for her midwife to send her for a closer look.


Further testing suggested an early pregnancy complication affecting blood pressure and the placenta. Instead of waiting, her team:


  • Adjusted her medications
  • Scheduled more frequent monitoring of her baby’s growth and well-being
  • Developed a clear plan for when and how to deliver if things worsened

Her baby was eventually delivered a bit early but healthy. As her child grew, there were some mild speech delays that resolved with early support—no autism diagnosis, and a thriving preschooler today.


One story can’t speak for everyone, of course. But it matches what the research suggests: what most changes outcomes is not the complication itself, but how quickly it’s recognized and how well it’s managed.


What Expecting Parents Can Do: Evidence-Based, Practical Steps

You can’t control your genes or every twist and turn in pregnancy—but you can build a strong safety net around you. Here are steps supported by research and clinical practice that may lower the risk of complications and improve outcomes if they occur.


1. Keep Up With Regular Prenatal Care

Regular prenatal visits are one of the most powerful tools for catching complications early.

  • Attend all scheduled visits, even if you feel well.
  • Ask what your blood pressure, blood sugar, and urine tests show—and what they mean.
  • Share any new symptoms right away, even if they seem minor.

2. Learn Warning Signs Worth Calling About

While every pregnancy is different, some symptoms are especially important to mention quickly:

  • Severe or persistent headaches
  • Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet
  • Changes in vision (blurry vision, spots, or flashes)
  • Severe abdominal pain or cramping
  • Fever, burning with urination, or flu-like symptoms
  • Noticeable change in your baby’s movements

3. Manage Existing Health Conditions

Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, or autoimmune disorders can increase the risk of pregnancy complications—but these risks are often significantly reduced with good management.

  • Work with your provider to optimize medications before and during pregnancy.
  • Monitor blood sugar or blood pressure at home if recommended.
  • Follow individualized nutrition and activity plans designed for your health needs.

4. Make Thoughtful Choices About Medications

The New York Post article briefly contrasts this new research with older concerns about medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) in pregnancy. The current scientific view is evolving, and professional organizations continue to review the evidence.

  • Never stop or start a medication in pregnancy without medical advice.
  • Ask directly: “Is this medication considered safe in pregnancy? What are the alternatives?”
  • For pain or fever, confirm the dose and timing with your clinician or pharmacist.

Comparing Risk: Untreated vs. Treated Pregnancy Complications

To help visualize what the research suggests, imagine two groups of pregnant people with the same complication:


Doctor and pregnant woman reviewing medical information together
Working closely with a prenatal care team can significantly reduce the risks associated with many pregnancy complications.

  • Group A – Complication not recognized or not treated:
    Research tends to show a modestly higher rate of developmental concerns, including ASD, compared to pregnancies without that complication.
  • Group B – Complication recognized and treated:
    The elevated risk often drops substantially and in some studies becomes similar to—or only slightly higher than—typical pregnancies.

The numbers vary by study and condition, but the pattern is clear: early diagnosis and treatment shift the curve in a positive direction. That’s the part you and your healthcare team can influence most.


If You’re Feeling Worried, Anxious, or Guilty

It’s completely understandable to feel worried—or even guilty—after hearing that something in pregnancy could affect your child’s brain. Many parents quietly wonder, “Did I do something wrong?”


From both a scientific and a compassionate standpoint, here’s what we know:


  • No parent chooses complications. Most arise from complex interactions between genetics, the placenta, and the immune system—far beyond your daily choices.
  • Autism is not a “failure.” ASD is a neurodevelopmental difference with both strengths and challenges. Early understanding and support can make a profound positive difference.
  • Your attention now matters more than what happened before. Seeking care, asking questions, and following treatment plans are powerful, protective steps.
“Parents don’t need more blame; they need clear information, options, and support. Our job is to walk alongside them, not over them.”
— Perinatal mental health counselor

If anxiety about your baby’s health feels overwhelming, consider speaking with a mental health professional experienced in pregnancy and postpartum care. Protecting your emotional well-being is also part of protecting your baby.


After Birth: Monitoring Development Without Panic

If you experienced a complication in pregnancy, you may be especially tuned in to your child’s milestones. That awareness can be very helpful—if it’s paired with accurate information.


Know Early Signs, But Remember the Wide Range of “Normal”

  • Some children talk early; others are late talkers and still develop typically.
  • Differences in eye contact, response to name, or play style can be early signs of ASD—but can also reflect temperament or maturity.
  • Pediatricians use structured screenings (like the M-CHAT-R/F) around 18–24 months to help identify children who may benefit from further evaluation.

Parent playing with young child on the floor with toys
Play, connection, and responsive caregiving support healthy brain development in all children, including those at higher risk.

What You Can Do in the First Years

  • Keep all well-baby and well-child visits for developmental screening.
  • Share any concerns about communication, play, or behavior with your pediatrician.
  • Engage in simple, brain-building activities:
    • Talking, singing, and reading regularly
    • Playing face-to-face games (peekaboo, copying faces, simple turn-taking)
    • Following your child’s lead in play and narrating what they’re doing

What Do Experts and Guidelines Say?

Because individual studies can come to slightly different conclusions, health professionals rely on guidelines and systematic reviews that weigh all available evidence together.


  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Emphasizes regular prenatal care, the management of high-risk conditions, and shared decision-making about medications and interventions.
  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Recommends universal developmental screening and specific autism screening at 18 and 24 months, with earlier evaluation any time concerns arise.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH) & major research centers: Continue to study how genetics, pregnancy health, and environment interact in ASD, consistently underscoring that autism has multiple contributing factors.

For deeper, evidence-based information, consider these starting points:



Moving Forward: Turning Worry Into Informed Action

The new research discussed by the New York Post adds to a growing body of evidence that some pregnancy complications may be linked to a slightly higher risk of autism—but it also reinforces a hopeful message: when these conditions are identified and treated, that risk may not meaningfully rise.


You don’t need to memorize every study to benefit from this knowledge. You just need a few core habits:


  • Stay engaged in regular prenatal and postpartum care.
  • Speak up about symptoms and questions—your concerns are valid.
  • Work with your care team on managing any health conditions you bring into pregnancy.
  • Monitor your child’s development after birth and seek support early if anything feels off.

Pregnant person holding hands with partner and smiling
You don’t have to navigate pregnancy risks alone—your healthcare team, partner, family, and community can all be part of your support system.

If you’re pregnant now—or planning to be—consider this your invitation to have an open, honest conversation with your obstetric provider about your individual risk factors and how to manage them. Bring this topic up explicitly if it’s on your mind. The ultimate goal is not to eliminate every risk—that’s impossible—but to give you and your baby the safest, best-supported start possible.


Your next step today: write down your top three questions about pregnancy health and autism risk, and bring them to your next appointment. Turning fear into questions is one of the most powerful, practical moves you can make.