Can Maternal Immune System Changes During Pregnancy Affect Offspring Neurodevelopment?

PostedNovember 30, 2025

UpdatedNovember 30, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Hannah Smith, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

A growing body of research highlights how maternal immune changes and autism are intricately connected. When a mother’s immune system shifts, whether due to infection, stress, or autoimmunity, these changes may affect her baby’s developing brain. Understanding how maternal immune changes and autism interact is pivotal to unravelling the early origins of neurodevelopmental outcomes.

At the centre of this connection is the prenatal immune system. When this system becomes overactive or dysregulated, it may trigger inflammation that crosses the placenta. These immune signals have the potential to disrupt foetal brain development, altering neural connections and patterns of responsiveness, especially during critical stages of neurodevelopment.

How Maternal Immune Changes and Autism Affect Neurodevelopment

Prenatal Immune System Shifts and Brain Wiring

Changes in the prenatal immune system, such as elevated cytokine activity, can influence how neurons form, migrate, and connect. These shifts in the maternal immune environment are increasingly linked to altered foetal brain development and a higher likelihood of autism-related differences.

Inflammation as a Trigger for Developmental Alteration

In some pregnancies, inflammatory responses, whether from illness, stress, or autoimmune activity, have been tied to structural and functional changes in the foetal brain. This underscores the importance of how maternal immune changes and autism may play out during pregnancy.

Timing Matters: Windows of Vulnerability

The second trimester is often cited as a key period when maternal immune changes and autism have the most impact. During this window, the brain is forming essential networks, making it more vulnerable to external process disruptions.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations to learn how maternal immune changes and autism may relate to your child’s development and to explore ways to support balanced immunity during pregnancy to promote healthy foetal brain development.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Maternal Health and Infections.

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.