A Simple Thyroid Test During Pregnancy Can Reduce the Risk of Autism

Women who have persistent thyroid hormone irregularities during pregnancy may have a higher risk of having a child with autism, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Thyroid hormones provided by the mother play an important role in the neurological development of the fetus. When these hormones are disrupted during pregnancy, previous research has found a link between this imbalance and atypical brain development, as well as a higher likelihood of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

What is Autism, and How Does this Disorder Develop in Childhood?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects communication, social behavior, and perception. People with autism often perceive their environment differently, have special interests or rituals, and react to stimuli such as sounds, light, or touch more sensitively or differently than others. The severity can vary greatly: some affected individuals have great difficulty with social interaction, while others are highly intelligent and display exceptional abilities in certain areas. Autism is not a disease that can be “cured,” but rather a lifelong neurological condition that requires support and understanding. Early intervention, therapy, and adapted learning environments can help promote the strengths of people with autism and make everyday life easier.

Autism develops in childhood due to a combination of genetic and biological factors that influence brain development. Scientific studies show that certain gene mutations or genetic variants can increase the likelihood of autism. These genes influence how nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other and how brain regions connect. In addition to genetics, biological factors before, during, or shortly after birth also play a role. These include, among others:

• Changes in brain development during pregnancy
• Metabolic or hormonal changes
• Premature birth or very low birth weight

Environmental factors such as infections during pregnancy or certain medications can also increase the risk, but usually only in combination with genetic predisposition. Autism is therefore not caused by upbringing, poor care, or psychological influences from parents, but is a neurobiological developmental variant that is often already present in the brain before birth.

The Role of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that plays a central role in the body’s metabolism. Its main task is to produce hormones – primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones control how quickly bodily processes take place and thus influence almost all organs.

The Most Important Functions of the Thyroid Gland Include:

• Regulation of metabolism: It determines how much energy the body burns.
• Influence on body weight: It affects whether you tend to gain or lose weight.
• Control of the heart and circulation: Thyroid hormones influence heart rate and blood pressure.
• Growth and development: Particularly important for brain and body development in children.
• Temperature regulation: It helps the body produce heat.
• Influencing mood and concentration: A deficiency or excess of hormones can affect the psyche and memory.

Functions of the Thyroid Gland During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the thyroid gland plays a particularly important role because it not only controls the mother’s metabolism, but is also crucial for the development of the baby, especially the brain.

• Increased Hormone Requirements: The mother must produce significantly more thyroid hormones because her metabolism increases and the baby cannot produce its own hormones at first.
• Supplying the Baby: In the first 12–14 weeks, the fetus is completely dependent on the mother’s thyroid hormones. These are important for:
  • Brain development
  • Nervous system
  • Growth
• Iodine requirements increase: The thyroid gland needs more iodine to maintain increased hormone production.

Too few thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) can:

• Cause fatigue, weight gain, and circulatory problems in the mother
• Increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or growth disorders
• Impair the baby’s brain development

Too many thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) can:

• cause heart palpitations, nervousness, and weight loss
• contribute to premature labor or high blood pressure during pregnancy

For this reason, the thyroid gland is often monitored during pregnancy, especially if the woman already has a pre-existing condition, is iodine deficient, and/or has a family history of thyroid problems.

Untreated Multi-Trimester Imbalance Carries a Higher Risk

“We found that adequately treated chronic thyroid dysfunction was not associated with an increased risk of autism in offspring, but a persistent imbalance over several trimesters was,” said Dr. Idan Menashe of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beer Sheva, Israel. “These findings underscore the need for routine monitoring and timely adjustment of therapy to maintain normal thyroid hormone levels throughout pregnancy.” The study tracked more than 51,000 births and reported that mothers with persistent thyroid hormone imbalance during pregnancy had an increased risk of having children with autism. The authors also documented a dose-response pattern, meaning that the risk increased with the number of trimesters affected.

Tips for a Healthy Thyroid During Pregnancy

Iodine-Rich Diet

1. • • Sea fish (e.g., salmon, cod)
     • Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
     • Iodized table salt (in moderation only)

Consume Selenium

• Selenium supports the conversion of T4 to active T3.
• Sources: nuts (especially Brazil nuts), whole grains, fish.

Regular Check-Ups

Blood values such as TSH, T3, and T4 are often checked during pregnancy, especially if thyroid disorders already exist.

Avoid Thyroid Toxins

Excessive consumption of raw cabbage, soy products, or certain medications can interfere with iodine absorption, but this is usually only relevant in very large quantities.

Supplements as Recommended by a Doctor

In many countries, a special iodine supplement is recommended during pregnancy if the diet is insufficient. However, it is important to note that such a supplement should only be taken after consulting a doctor.