L’anesthésie générale pendant la grossesse pourrait-elle entraîner des problèmes de comportement chez les enfants?

Une étude récente révèle que les enfants dont les mères enceintes subissent une intervention chirurgicale et sont exposés à l'anesthésie dans le ventre sont plus susceptibles de développer des problèmes comportementaux plus tard dans la vie.

Can using general anesthesia during pregnancy lead to behavioral problems in children?

By Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter

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Imagine you’re a tiny human, nestled comfortably in your mother’s womb, when suddenly, the peace is disrupted. Your mom has to undergo surgery, and you’re exposed to general anesthesia 😱 It turns out, this exposure could have an impact on your future behavioral health. According to a recent study published in the British Journal of Anesthesia, children who were exposed to anesthesia in the womb were found to have a 31% increased risk of being diagnosed with behavioral disorders later in life. And the risk was even higher if the exposure occurred in the second or third trimester 😱

“This study provides compelling evidence that prenatal exposure to surgery and general anesthesia may have adverse effects on children’s neurobehavioral development,” says Dr. Guohua Li, a professor of epidemiology with the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

Now, let’s dive deeper into this topic because your mental and behavioral health is just as important as your physical health! 💪

The Study and Findings

The researchers analyzed data from nearly 17 million deliveries between 1999 and 2013, focusing on over 34,000 children who were exposed to general anesthesia due to their mothers undergoing specific surgery procedures like appendectomies or gall bladder removals, which are common non-obstetric procedures during pregnancy.

The results were alarming. Children exposed to anesthesia in the womb were more likely to develop attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioral disorders, developmental disorders involving speech or language, and even autism. These issues tended to surface after the first three years of the child’s life when differences between the exposed and non-exposed groups became apparent.

But why does this happen? Well, the drugs used in general anesthesia can cross the placenta and potentially affect the developing fetus. 🤔

Should Expecting Mothers Be Concerned?

Before we get into that, let’s address an important point. If you’re an expecting mother, please don’t panic! It’s crucial to have the necessary surgeries when needed for the health and safety of both you and your baby. However, it’s equally important to be aware of the potential risks and make informed decisions in collaboration with your healthcare provider. 😌

The concerns about anesthesia and its long-term neuro-developmental effects on children have been recognized by the FDA since 2016. The FDA even released a Drug Safety Communication warning against repeated or lengthy use of anesthesia in young children and pregnant women. So, the medical community is actively researching and trying to find ways to minimize the risks associated with anesthesia during pregnancy.

What Can Be Done?

As an expecting mother, it’s essential to be proactive in safeguarding your baby’s health. Start by discussing any concerns about anesthesia with your healthcare provider. Together, you can evaluate the necessity and timing of a particular surgery, explore alternative treatment options, or determine the safest anesthesia techniques available.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person may not be the best option for another. Open and honest communication with your healthcare provider is key throughout your journey. ✨

Reader’s Q&A

Q: Can I delay surgery until after I give birth if it’s not an emergency?

A: While it’s best to avoid unnecessary surgeries during pregnancy, there might be instances when waiting until after giving birth could pose more significant risks to both you and your baby. It’s crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider, who will evaluate the situation and guide you in making the best decision.

Q: Are there any anesthesia techniques that are considered safer during pregnancy?

A: Yes, there are anesthesia techniques that are considered generally safe during pregnancy. Discuss the options with your healthcare provider, and together you can determine the most appropriate approach based on your specific needs and the surgery being performed.

Q: Does this mean every child exposed to anesthesia will develop behavioral issues?

A: No, not every child exposed to anesthesia will develop behavioral issues. The study found an increased risk but did not indicate that it is a guarantee. There are many other factors involved in a child’s behavioral development, including genetics, environment, and individual circumstances.

📚 Lectures et ressources complémentaires

  1. Hôpital pour enfants du Texas : Anesthésie pendant la grossesse
  2. Communication sur la sécurité des médicaments de la FDA : Approbation par la FDA de modifications d’étiquetage pour l’utilisation d’anesthésiques et de sédatifs chez les jeunes enfants
  3. Communiqué de presse de l’Université Columbia : L’exposition à l’anesthésie dans le ventre soulève des problèmes comportementaux chez les enfants

Conclusion

Dans le domaine de la santé, il est vital de rester informé et de prendre des décisions basées sur les meilleures preuves disponibles. Bien que l’étude discutée ici mette en avant des préoccupations potentielles concernant l’exposition à l’anesthésie pendant la grossesse, il est important de se rappeler qu’il existe des situations où la chirurgie est nécessaire pour protéger la mère et l’enfant.

Si vous avez des inquiétudes ou des questions, contactez votre professionnel de santé. Ils sont là pour vous soutenir tout au long de votre grossesse. Ensemble, vous pouvez prendre des décisions éclairées et garantir la santé et le bien-être de vous et de votre bébé ! 💖

Rappelez-vous, le savoir c’est le pouvoir, et le partage c’est la bienveillance. Si vous avez trouvé cet article utile, partagez-le avec vos amis et votre famille sur les réseaux sociaux. Répandons la sensibilisation et autonomisons les futures mamans pour qu’elles prennent des choix éclairés. 👶💪