ASD and pregnancy. Let's chat.

Vanessa Doofenshmirtz

Ladies, I've missed you. I've been hanging out on the GBCN proboards.

So, unexpectedly, I'm pregnant with my 3rd. My 4 year old son has ASD, and we are increasingly suspicious about our 2 year old son, who we plan to have evaluated in the coming months.

We weren't sure if we should even have a 3rd, and were considering meeting with a genetic counselor to talk about risks.

Best laid plans. So, I'm very newly pregnant and don't see an OB for about 6 more weeks.

Based on everything you've read to date, would you actually do anything differently for your next pg? I'm kicking myself bc I wasn't taking a prenatal vitamin I am now, but I've read that sufficient folate at conception might be important.

Based on that NYT article last month, I was considering dialing back the dairy.

So much is inconclusive, of course, but anything you'd avoid just in case?

Thanks. And at age 34 and on my third, I can't believe I'm asking silly first trimester questions. But indulge me, please. ;

lite-bright

Congrats on the new pregnancy!

I think I would take a probiotic if I got pregnant again. It almost certainly won't hurt and may help address some of the things mentioned in the NYT article. I'm taking one now anyway. 

I'm lactose intolerant now regardless (since DD2 was born), so dairy wouldn't be an issue. I drank a gallon of milk a week during both pregnancies, so that would be a big change. 

That, and I'd try not to worry b/c I know stress isn't good for a developing baby. I'm not sure how well I'd do. :P 

H&H 9 months!  

houndbaby

Congrats!

My 3 yo is ASD and my 20 mo. dd appears to be NT at this point. I didn't do anything different between the pregnancies, I was probably less careful about things with dd. If/when we have a third child I don't plan to do anything differently.

Vanessa Doofenshmirtz

Thanks for responding! I did talk to my OB's nurse since I posted this, and they are having me wean off of Lexapro over 3 more weeks.

 That sucks. I've been up since 3am with the wheels turning, turning, turning. I better look into some non-medicated, non-alcohol options for quieting this busy mind of mine. Yoga, here I come.