DAVIS, Yolo County (CBS/AP) – Obesity during pregnancy might increase chances for having a child with autism, according to new study out of University of California, Davis.

It’s among the first studies linking the two. It doesn’t prove obesity causes autism, but the authors said their results raise public health concerns because of the high level of obesity in the U.S.

The study involved about 1,000 California children, ages 2 to 5. Results were released online Monday in the journal Pediatrics.

Previous research has linked obesity during pregnancy with stillbirths, preterm births and some birth defects.

The UC Davis authors said the results add yet another incentive for maintaining a healthy weight.

KCBS’ Holly Quan Reports:

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