Autism-preterm labor medications Terbutaline Magnesium Sulfate

[karenandboys]

Hi everyone!

This topic most certainly pulled my brain out of Study mode.  I have 2 boys with Autism as well.  Preterm-labor started between 22 and 24 weeks gestation, depending on which pregnancy.  By 25-27 weeks, dilated to 2cm and half effaced.

 To be honest, I do not remember how many times they admitted me to the hospital for preterm labor.  Every week or two for 1 to 3 days in attempts to slow my contractions & decrease their intensity. Terbutaline & increased dosages of Mag Sulfate were given.  MY doctors would max me out on Mag Sulf.  each time then move me to Morphine and or Demoral with Phenergan.  Eventually adding Pro Cardia to the list with the Terbutaline to take at home.  In both pregnancies, my water finally broke at 33 weeks.

I have wondered of the meds, also wondered about the prematurity. Sensative immunsystems.........on and on......and on.

I would be interested in hearing whats out there on this.

Karen

[TiredMommy0608]

I also had a terbutaline pump as well as magnesium sulfate for 12 weeks. My oldest daughter has not been diagnosed with autism yet but I am sure she will be. Ever since I had her we have done nothing but struggle. It has been so hard even as a infant she would cry for 12 hours a day. I thought someone was going to call CPS for child abuse. I f I would have know any side effects of these drugs I think I would have asked not to take them or for another alternative drug perhaps.

[jacmom45]

I took terbutaline for 4 weeks during the last part of my pregnancy for preterm labor. He was born at 36 weeks. From the beginning I knew he was different. He never slept, cried all the time. After the first year ,things got better. By the time he was 5, I decided to homeschool him. He had alot of problems language, sensory issues. He is 12 now and he is the most unique person I have ever met.  He was diagnosed with Autism Last week. I've always Known. I'm not saying by any means this drug was responsible but....... I have read where they have done studies and linked it to Autism. I think there needs to be more research on this. 

[autism_mom409]

I was also given terbutaline for preterm labor.  My son, Nathan, was born at 36 weeks of gestation.  I was given these medications at 32 and 34 weeks.  They also gave it to me in pill form to take at home to keep me from going into preterm labor.  Nathan has classic autism.  He has about the functioning level of a 9 month old, even though he's currently 7.  We have recently begun alternative therapies , mainly supplements, and I am hoping this helps him to come out of it.  I have recently learned of the possibility this medicine can cause autism and am looking more into ways to help him.

[TheatLVR]

I started preterm labor at 28 weeks when pg with my twin boys.  I was first put on Terbutaline and then Magnesium Sulfate while in the hospital for my first week on bedrest, and then was sent home on Terbutaline.  I eventually spent the last two weeks of my eight weeks on bedrest back in the hospital hooked up to a Magnesium Sulfate drip and eventually delivered at 34 weeks.  My one son has Asperger's and the other has ADD.  I would LOVE to hear about any scientific studies linking the meds to Autism.