Planned caesarean sections are more common among women with ADHD, and they are also more likely to give birth to babies who are larger than expected for the length of their pregnancy. This is shown by a study that analysed 1.6 million pregnancies in Sweden from 2006 to 2020. “We can show that ADHD itself does not increase the risk of premature birth, which is what other studies have concluded,” says Anneli Andersson, a researcher at Örebro University.

The study included 12,000 women with an ADHD diagnosis. The researchers investigated the link between ADHD in women and outcomes during pregnancy and childbirth.

“After adjusting for other psychiatric diagnoses and smoking during pregnancy, the link between ADHD and premature birth and many other pregnancy outcomes was no longer evident,” says Anneli Andersson.

Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and substance abuse are common in women who have also been diagnosed with ADHD.

“Premature births and other complications during pregnancy can therefore be explained by, for example, other psychiatric diagnoses or smoking, but not ADHD as such,” says Anneli Andersson.

The increased incidence of planned caesarean sections and babies being born larger than expected for their gestational age can be explained: “It’s conceivable that these two outcomes are interrelated – if healthcare professionals during pregnancy assess that the baby is growing more than expected, this may influence the decision to plan a caesarean section,” says Anneli Andersson.

The study provides a more comprehensive explanation of the relationship between ADHD and pregnancy outcomes compared to previous research, as it is based on clinical diagnoses and not solely on medication use.

“The results mean that we need to take a more nuanced view of the risks associated with ADHD and pregnancy. Perhaps this might provide some reassurance to women diagnosed with ADHD.”

The researchers point out that women with ADHD should be offered extra support during pregnancy.

“A more comprehensive view on women’s mental health and risk behaviours could contribute to safer pregnancies and better outcomes for both the mother and child,” concludes Anneli Andersson.

Text and photo: Maria Elisson