ADHD & Pregnancy: Potential Risks

Having ADHD may increase your risk of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, pre-term birth, and low birth weight. So, it's important to inform your doctor of your diagnosis so they can prepare for any potential issues.^[1]

Maternal health

Unmanaged ADHD can increase the risk of depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy. If you're on medication, it's best to continue using it throughout your pregnancy to manage your ADHD.

ADHD also increases the risk of preeclampsia (high maternal blood pressure). Unmanaged preeclampsia can lead to strokes, preterm birth, seizure and more. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure throughout your pregnancy to help keep you safe.

Pregnant women with ADHD are also less likely to engage in prenatal care. This can put both you and your baby at risk for health complications. You should get the help of your partner or supportive family members to ensure you remember to attend appointments and arrive on time.

Birth outcomes

ADHD can increase your risk of birth complications, so it’s important to discuss birthing options with your midwife to ensure you’re well-prepared. Cesarean sections are more common in individuals with ADHD,^[2] so going through all possible options and procedures can help you feel more at ease on the day of delivery.

Creating an ADHD-friendly birth environment can be beneficial. For example, using dimmed lighting and reducing noise to create a calming, stress-free atmosphere. This can help you manage ADHD symptoms during a stressful period.

Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet throughout pregnancy and postpartum is important for both maternal and baby health. An unhealthy diet that is high in processed foods, sugars, and fats can worsen ADHD symptoms and contribute to the development of ADHD in children.^[3]

Aim to eat a well-balanced diet consisting of lean meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Meal planning can help you eat healthily, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed during pregnancy. Maintaining a balanced diet and reducing your salt intake can also help reduce the risk of preeclampsia.

Back to:

Overview

How pregnancy affects ADHD symptoms

How to manage ADHD during pregnancy

References: 

1. Scoten, O., et al. (2024). Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder in pregnancy and the postpartum period. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 231(1).

2. Andersson, A., et al. (2025). Pregnancy Outcomes in Women Diagnosed With Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Population‐Based Register Study. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 153(1), 34.

3. Yan, W., et al. (2023). Processed Food–Sweets Patterns and Related Behaviors with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among Children: A Case–Control Study. Nutrients, 15(5), 1254.