ADHD & Pregnancy / Postpartum

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects over one million women in the UK with an estimated 50 – 75% undiagnosed – ADHD UK

Many women and girls with undiagnosed ADHD have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD and their comorbid symptoms such as anxiety, depression and OCD and or may be misdiagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder. Given the lack of diagnosed females and how difficult it is to get a diagnosis due to the long wait times on the NHS it is worth considering the impact of ADHD and the symptoms of ADHD on pregnancy and the postnatal time where undiagnosed and unsupported symptoms may be exacerbated especially in the final trimester in pregnancy and then at around 20 weeks postnatal.

Symptoms Associated with ADHD

Anxiety Disorder
Depression
Brain Fog
Forgetfulness
Negative Self Talk / Self Image
Restless – leg syndrome
Cognitive function issues
Difficulties at work
Relationship problems
Sexual dysfunction
Mood swings
Sleep problems
Eating disorders or disordered eating

Issues and Risks for Pregnant & Postntal Women

(Especially Undiagnosed / Untreated Women with ADHD)

Mental Health Issues
Health Issues – Auto-Immune, Cardio-Vascular Conditions, Hypothyroidism
Hypermobility / Pelvic instability
Muscle & joint pain
Increased rate in miscarriage
Increased risk of pre-eclampsia
Slight increased risk of cardiac malformations
Missed appointments
Increased risk of car accidents
Difficulties organising & planning for pregnancy & birth
Difficulties organising & planning activities, schedules & routines for baby
Emotional Dysregulation / Reactivity
Poor self-care
Attention issues especially in the postnatal time when attention on baby is important
Over-stimulation of senses especially to noise and touch

Holistic Therapies Supporting Maternal ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that cannot be cured but the symptoms can be better managed and supported with holistic therapies.

Holistic therapies support the whole person mind, body and soul – meaning that many of the mental, physical and deeper negative psychological beliefs about the self can be supported so symptoms of ADHD are helped, reduced and well managed.

Those with ADHD have a heightened nervous system that is often in fight, flight, freeze and fawn mode which heightens cognitive impairment affecting those essential executive function skills that are essential for looking after yourself, raising a family and thriving in life.

Therapies for Mums with ADHD

Executive Function Skills Coaching for Pregnancy & Motherhood can help you to practically manage your ADHD symptoms in the home and workplace. Working together we can test and trial tools, techniques and strategies to help you manage and thrive

Reflexology and Gentle Release Therapy are wonderful treatments that support the nervous system bringing the body and mind in a quieter and more balanced state and many women with ADHD respond exceptionally well and quicky to these treatments

Maternal & Postnatal Massage can help support the physical impact of stress, anxiety and overwhelm on the muscles as well as helping with hypermobility