reporter: the researchers say conditions that cause a spike in insulin can starve a mother s tissues of oxygen, lowering the oxygen supply to their unborn child and potentially affecting its brain development. pretty normal. reporter: right now more than 60% of women of child bearing age in the u.s. are considered overweight or obese. if you are planning a pregnant si, you might think about losing weight and getting your exercise routine in order and making sure you re controlling your blood sugar. reporter: factors that could help the next generation s physical and mental health. michelle franzen, nbc news. well, the nicks return. the tigers claw the red sox in extra innings and the pirates don the your first look at sports is straight ahead. you re watching first look on m snchtsz nbc. [ barking ] i m your dog,
chocolate designs for just under $4,000. yikes. well, a woman s weight during pregnancy may be a significant risk for her child have a development disorder. women who are obese during pregnancy were 60% more likely to have a child diagnosed with autism. nbc s michelle fran zen has details. reporter: the risk for autism can be elevated even before a child is born, not because of genetics but, rather, the birth mother s weight. her biochemistry really has a profound impact on development, including brain development. reporter: a new study of 1,000 mothers and their children finds women who are obese during pregnancy are 60% more likely to have a child with autism and two times more likely to have a child with a developmental delay. having type 2 diabetes, a condition often linked to obesity, also increases the risk. diabetes in particular was associated with poorer scores in terms of language.