Common Pregnancy Medications Linked to Higher Autism Risk in Massive U.S. Study

A large U.S. study of 6.14 million births found prenatal exposure to drugs that inhibit sterol biosynthesis was linked to higher autism rates in children.

The risk appeared to rise as more of these medications were used during pregnancy.

The drugs included some statins, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and beta-blockers such as atorvastatin, fluoxetine, and propranolol.

Researchers say the findings may inform safer prescribing in pregnancy, but they do not prove the medications cause autism or mean patients should stop treatment.