Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom clusters differentially predict prenatal health behaviors in pregnant women

Abstract

As decreased engagement in adequate prenatal health behaviors puts both the mother and fetus at risk for negative birth outcomes, future research should work to develop a brief ADHD screen to be used in obstetric clinics and should investigate these relationships within a sample of women with a diagnosis of ADHD.

Maternal ADHD and Perinatal Prescription Stimulant Use

“…While some women may be able to discontinue ADHD medications during pregnancy without adverse effects, others may experience significant functional impairment which may lead to a loss of productivity at work or school and associated financial stressors, an exacerbation of comorbid psychiatric conditions, and psychosocial stressors affecting interpersonal relationships (Freeman, 2014). Prior studies have shown that symptoms arising from untreated ADHD including inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional lability are associated with risky prenatal health behaviors such as poor eating, smoking, caffeine use, and decreased prenatal vitamin use (Jones et al, 2018). Similarly, Eddy et al noted that symptoms of inattention and impulsivity could result in forgetfulness of important medical appointments, lack of preparation for the baby’s arrival, and impulsive spending leading to poor finance management (Eddy et al, 2019).…”

Parental ADHD in pregnancy and the postpartum period – A systematic review

“…Only two studies were found that directly assessed current ADHD symptoms in pregnant women, and how these symptoms may influence health behaviours. In the first study, measures of ADHD symptoms, prenatal health behaviours, and depression were completed by pregnant women (n=198) (Jones et al, 2018). Results revealed that inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity/emotional lability all showed significant associations with prenatal health behaviours.…”

Associations Between ADHD Symptoms and Maternal and Birth Outcomes: An Exploratory Analysis in a Multi-Country Cohort of Expectant Mothers

“…Despite the potential additional risks for women with ADHD symptoms in the perinatal period, this topic has, with a few notable exceptions ( Andersson et al, 2020 ; A. S. Baker et al, 2020 ; Eddy et al, 2019 ; Jones et al, 2018 ; Ninowski et al, 2007 ), attracted very little direct research (see Kittel-Schneider et al, 2021 for a review). In one study of 86 expectant mothers in Canada, Ninowski et al (2007) found that ADHD symptoms were associated with elevated anxiety and depression, less positive parental expectations, lower maternal self-efficacy, and lower attendance to prenatal check-ups, but were unrelated to poor health behaviors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy eating patterns, smoking, and alcohol consumption.…”