The impact of maternal diet, lifestyle, & environmental exposures during pregnancy on Autism spectrum disorder in children

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complicated illness that is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder that is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, nutrition, and lifestyle. There is an increasing amount of evidence that suggests that the food and lifestyle behaviors of the mother, as well as the environmental exposures to which she is subjected during pregnancy, have a significant influence on determining how the brain of the fetus develops and may even be a contributing factor to the risk of autism. This study investigates the effects of prenatal dietary patterns, micronutrient deficiencies, metabolic conditions, maternal stress, physical activity, exposure to toxins, air pollution, heavy metals, and household dangers on a global scale. The review also explores how these elements interact with one another to affect the development of autism spectrum disorder. Due to its high population density and vulnerability to environmental threats, Bangladesh confronts several specific problems. Among them are starvation, contamination by heavy metals, industrial pollution, widespread pesticide use, degraded air quality in urban areas, and inadequate waste management. These elements may lead to an inequitable rise in the likelihood that children will acquire developmental problems. This analysis synthesizes literature from both national and global contexts to identify the most important factors that determine the risk of autism in relation to the mother's health and environment. The review also highlights research gaps in Bangladesh and offers potential avenues for future scientific study and legislation. According to the findings, to reduce the incidence of ASD, there is a need for extensive maternal health programs, more control over the environment, improved prenatal nutrition initiatives, and interventions at the community level. To effectively detect and decrease the risk factors of autism in the populations of South Asia, it is necessary to take important efforts, such as enhancing data collection and participating in epidemiological research in Bangladesh.