Tobacco toxins in the womb might have a harmful effect on developing eggs in a female foetus, increasing the next generation’s risk of autism JONATHAN BRADY/PA WIREGirls are more likely to display autistic traits if their grandmother smoked during pregnancy, researchers have claimed. The study suggests that women could not only harm their unborn child but leave an unwanted legacy for their grandchildren. A girl whose maternal grandmother smoked during pregnancy was 67 per cent more likely to display certain autistic traits, such as poor communication skills and repetitive behaviour. The research forms part of a long-term study known as Children of the 90s, which covers 14,500 people. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, also found that if a maternal grandmother smoked it increased the chances of grandchildren of either sex being diagnosed with an actual autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by 53 per cent.

Source: The Times April 27, 2017 15:56 UTC