natal

natal /na·tal/ (nāt´'l)

1. pertaining to birth.

2. gluteal.

---

na·tal (ntl)

adj.

1. Of, relating to, or accompanying birth.

2. Of or relating to the buttocks.

---

natal

[nā′təl]

1 [L, natus] pertaining to birth.

2 [L, nates] pertaining to the nates, or buttocks.

---

natal

1. pertaining to birth.

2. pertaining to the nates (buttocks).

---

Patient discussion about natal.

Q. Can autism occur in more than one child? We’re a couple in our early thirties, and have a 8 years old son that was diagnosed with autism. It’s not easy to rear him, but now we feel we are ready for another child. However, we are very worried – our first son was born healthy, and only couple of years later he was diagnosed with autism. We love him very much, but we feel another child with autism will be just beyond our energies. What are the chances we will have another child with autism? Is there any way to diagnose the baby during pregnancy?

A. Having one child with autism does put you in an increased risk group for having another autistic child, however the chances are relatively small. You will not be able to know during pregnancy, and that would be a risk you would have to take, if you want to bring another baby into the world. I know it is not easy, but remember it is of much much higher probability your next child will be healthy.