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- People on the autism spectrum are more likely to experience feelings of depression and anxiety during pregnancy, a study has suggested. Researchers found that autistic parents were around three times more likely to report having experienced prenatal depression and anxiety than those without autism.
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Do autistic parents experience anxiety during pregnancy?
Are autistic people more prone to prenatal depression and anxiety?
Can autistic people have problems during pregnancy and after giving birth?
Are autistic parents more anxious?
What challenges do autistic parents face during pregnancy?
Do autistic people have higher perinatal stress and anxiety symptoms?
Anxiety – may be very anxious in an unfamiliar environment, or not knowing what to expect over an appointment, pregnancy or parenthood. If things become overwhelming this may result in a ‘shutdown’ or a ‘meltdown’. This can be very exhausting and lots of time and space will be needed to recover.
Feb 1, 2022 · This study explored autistic and non-autistic people’s self-reported anxiety, depression, stress and satisfaction with life during the third trimester of pregnancy, 2–3 months after birth and 6 months after birth.
Evidence suggests that autistic people may experience aspects of pregnancy and childbirth differently to non-autistic people, and may face some unique challenges, including: heightened sensory sensitivities during pregnancy. communication and interaction difficulties with healthcare professionals, such as:
A 2022 study compared the online survey responses of 417 autistic and 524 non-autistic parents about their pregnancy experiences. Autistic people reported that they experienced more sensory and physical symptoms during pregnancy, as well as higher rates of prenatal depression and anxiety.
Mar 18, 2021 · Autistic women also reported that sensory differences can make health care visits during pregnancy especially difficult, and described that they may experience anxiety and confusion when interacting with health care staff.
- Christina G. McDonnell, Elizabeth A. DeLucia
- 2021
Oct 26, 2022 · The study revealed that autistic parents were around three times more likely than non-autistic parents to report having experienced prenatal depression (9% of non-autistic parents and 24% of autistic parents) and anxiety (14% of non-autistic parents and 48% of autistic parents).
Oct 22, 2024 · Autistic women have been found to experience increased stress, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy. However, autistic women are often diagnosed later and experience delayed access to support. There is limited research exploring autistic women’s experiences of pregnancy to inform future support needs.