Can stress during pregnancy as an environmental factor increase autism development?

PostedNovember 25, 2025

UpdatedNovember 25, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, there is growing interest in whether stress during pregnancy & autism are linked. While stress is a normal part of life, prolonged or severe stress during pregnancy is being studied as a possible environmental factor that may influence autism risk in the developing baby. The way stress affects the maternal body, including hormone levels and immune response, could have subtle effects on foetal brain development.

When a pregnant person experiences chronic stress, their body produces higher levels of cortisol and other stress hormones. These hormones can cross the placenta and potentially disrupt processes critical to neural growth and regulation. The timing, intensity and duration of stress during pregnancy all appear to play a role.

How Prenatal Stress Might Influence Autism Development

Here are two ways maternal stress during pregnancy may contribute to autism risk:

Hormonal impact on foetal brain development

Cortisol and other stress-related hormones can interfere with how brain structures form and communicate. This may influence emotional regulation, sensory processing and social behaviour in early childhood.

Immune and inflammatory response

Stress can activate the maternal immune system, which may trigger low-level inflammation. This response, especially if prolonged, may affect the neurological environment of the womb during key developmental windows.

Recognising the potential link between stress during pregnancy & autism encourages better emotional support, mental health care and stress-reducing strategies for expectant parents. Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations and further guidance on screening and support.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Environmental Factors.

Lucia Alvarez, MSc

Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve 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 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.