Study links autism to mother's health issues

By Janet Lavelle
Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 6:56 p.m.

Women with diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure during pregnancy are at far greater risk of having children with autism or other developmental delays, according to a new study presented this week at an international conference of autism researchers in San Diego.

The study, by researchers at UC Davis, and its findings could have important implications for public health and the treatment of diabetes in pregnant women, said Dr. Irva Hertz-Picciotto, a UC Davis professor of public health sciences and principal investigator.

“If this is confirmed,â€