This environmental link is reinforced by recent research, which shows a strong connection between maternal infections (especially influenza) during the first half of pregnancy and increased risk of schizophrenia in the fetus. The infected mother’s immune system releases special proteins to fight the infection, and these cytokines (specifically interleukin-6) may have a negative effect on the neurological development of the unborn child.

At least one scientist has taken this concept further. Paul Patterson, professor of biology at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and research professor at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, studies the relation of maternal infections to both autism and schizophrenia. In a 2005 lecture at Caltech, Patterson quoted the CDC’s recommendation that pregnant women should routinely get flu shots. At first glance, the recommendation may seem sensible, as pregnant women would want to avoid getting influenza, which could cause their immune systems to impair the developing minds of their unborn children. But then comes the zinger: "And what does a vaccination do? It activates the immune system. That’s the point of vaccination."

This is a perplexing conundrum. The very thing that some recommend to prevent problems could actually be causing mental disorders in the unborn child.

Patterson concluded, "In practice, not all pregnant women receive flu shots, and I think that universal vaccination of pregnant women could get us into a whole new set of problems. I’m hoping, therefore, that a way will be found to intervene somehow and repair the damage or reregulate the immune system." Of course, the CDC still recommends that pregnant women be vaccinated against influenza. Less invasive precautions include frequent hand washing with soap and water and avoidance of those who are ill. It is important for the life and health of all, born and unborn, to practice good hygiene and cleanliness, to cough and sneeze away from others into a disposable tissue or at least into the upper arm, and to follow the principles of quarantine.

Although modern medicine has made great strides in many areas, we still have many social issues and much to learn about the connections between body and mind, and even more about the connections between maternal body and fetal mind.

Selected Resources:

Autism Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network

National Institute of Mental Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

World Health Organization

United States Court of Federal Claims

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Fact Sheet

Pregnancy, Immunity, Schizophrenia and Autism

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