ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a child-onset, neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in brain and cognitive development.1
While for some people, symptoms may present challenges during pregnancy and early parenthood, many parents describe positive aspects of neurodivergence including: high levels of energy and drive, creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, empathy, courage, resilience and spontaneity.
The estimated rate of ADHD is approximately 3.2% in adult women and 4.4% among gender-diverse adults who were assigned female at birth. 2
ADHD is increasingly being diagnosed in girls and women, with many diagnosed, or self-identifying with ADHD during the perinatal period.3
ADHD frequently overlaps with Autism, also known as AuDHD, with the combination resulting in unique needs.4
A COPE 2026 survey highlighted that many neurodivergent expectant parents were left feeling overwhelmed, dismissed, misunderstood and frustrated by a system repeatedly failing to make accommodations to meet their needs.
Increased cognitive demands, hormonal and bodily changes, medication changes, and sleep disturbances also presented challenges for expectant parents with ADHD.
I thought that the pregnancy would give me a deadline to be super productive. I did not expect that my brain would become a marshmallow for about 6 months. Vyvanse stopped working, Dex still helped at half dose, but nothing broke through that fog. Anon (COPE, 2026)
Others reported feeling their symptoms improved during pregnancy.
I went off my medication during pregnancy as I found it made me too wired. I felt like my ADHD symptoms were actually a lot better during pregnancy compared to normal. I got a brief period where my ADHD wasn't too bad. Sarah (COPE, 2026)
What expectant parents found challenging during pregnancy
- Managing multiple medical appointments and completing paperwork
- Preparing for the birth and arrival of the baby
"Planning isn't a strong trait of someone with ADHD, so trying to plan a birth, pack a birth bag for you and baby, when you cannot do this on a general day to day basis, was hard." Anon (COPE, 2026)
- Managing health complications in pregnancy (e.g. gestational diabetes and Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS)
"The hyper fixation of pregnancy and buying new things. You solely focus on that baby, and you forget about the rest of your life. Also, we already suffer with memory loss, but pregnancy and postpartum brain mush made it so much worse. Also not being able to take my medication." Chloe (COPE, 2026)
- Coping with fluorescent lighting, background noise and the texture of certain fabrics.
- Feelings of discomfort from the baby’s movements.
"I found the sensory overload challenging while in labour in ED. Waiting for a room under bright lights, I didn't realise how this was affecting me until one of the midwives finally came past hours later and asked if I would like the lights turned off in the cubicle - no one had thought to ask earlier but it made a big difference." Anon (COPE, 2026)
- Health professionals failing to accommodate or make adjustments when communicating information during antenatal care.
"It was overwhelming both times I have been pregnant. My ADHD affected my ability to take in instructions and remember appointments. I had to have a whiteboard and a planner. It was harder in the third trimester." Anon (COPE, 2026)
- Not feeling comfortable or safe to tell health professionals about an ADHD diagnosis for fear of stigma or judgement.
- Sensory overwhelm from maternity settings where adjustments were not made or were inadequate.
"Hospitals are too overstimulating and if care givers are wanting to control situations they don't care about this." Anon (COPE, 2026)
- Feeling out of control and anxious due to unpredictable nature of birth.
"I had a long posterior labour that ended in an emergency caesarean. It was hard to keep a lid on my racing thoughts during labour and focus on what was happening. I had to listen to meditation sounds and repeat mantras to keep myself from getting anxious. The sensations of the c section were quite triggering for my sensory anxiety so I really had to work hard not to panic throughout." Anon (COPE, 2026)
(COPE, 2026)I just wish the whole medical system understood us better
ADHD has been associated with increased risk of anxiety and depression both during pregnancy and in the year following birth.
I have ADHD and PMDD, and I found the hormones of pregnancy really deeply intensified those symptoms. My mental health was the worst it had ever been. Anon (COPE, 2026)
It's helpful to understanding this risk, and to put supports in place early, so you can be better prepared both during pregnancy and for after your baby arrives.
(COPE, 2026)Seek support early, don't wait, once baby is here, managing is harder. Have professionals assist your preparation and have them on hand after birth - you may need it.
While not everyone will require additional support during pregnancy, there are a number of different options to consider, depending on your needs and preferences, to help you thrive.
A neuro-affirming approach doesn't try to "fix" or "change" neurodivergent people. Instead, it aims to provide supports, services and accommodations that are person-centred, trauma-informed and affirm neurodivergent identity and individual needs. (Department of Social Services, 2024).
CBT focuses on how thoughts can affect emotions, which, in turn can affect behaviour. CBT, adapted for neurodivergent individuals, and delivered by those with appropriate expertise can be particularly helpful to assist with time management, organisation and planning and with co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression. CBT should focus on individual strengths, values and interests, as well as challenges.
This type of talking therapy, adapted for individuals with ADHD, focuses on four main areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal skills, and emotion regulation.
Mindfulness-based treatment is about paying attention in the present moment while not judging or being harsh on yourself. Mindfulness includes aspects of meditation like deep breathing and body scans, which focus on physical sensations throughout your body to improve your mind-body connection and management of feelings and emotions.
The goal of psychoeducation during the perinatal period is to help you, your family and friends understand the symptoms and treatments that are available. It also helps you to identify your strengths, existing resources and previously successful coping strategies.
Psychoeducation also helps you gain awareness and understanding about any mental health conditions you might experience, and how to help you manage them.
As with all medications in pregnancy, it is important to speak with your health professional, and together weigh up the risks of the medication with the risks of untreated or not adequately treated ADHD.
Although studies into ADHD medications in pregnancy are limited (particularly for non-stimulants), the available research is largely reassuring (in relation to stimulants).2
It is recommended that you speak with your doctor or a specialist regarding the safe use of medication in pregnancy.
It is important not to change or stop taking your medicines without talking to your doctor.
Here are some tips and strategies other neurodivergent parents have found helpful.
- Establish routines and good habits
- Use lists, calendars, and timers to help you remember things like appointments, medications, questions you want to ask.
"Try to find things to prepare to make life easier in the early weeks e.g. freeze single serve snacks not just full meals." Anon (COPE, 2026)
- Consider taking someone with you to appointments or make notes to help you with questions or taking in information.
- Start thinking about what your sensory needs might be postpartum with a newborn.
- Develop a support system - of friends, family, and professionals - and accept help.
"Find a neuroaffirming medical practitioner and other supports (I found OT incredibly helpful." Anon (COPE, 2026)
- Try to check in with someone each day and make this part of your routine.
- Think about the support you might need postpartum and how you might draw on this after the baby arrives.
"I just needed more support, and also permission to accept support. Starting therapy before I gave birth and having help ready in place would have been beneficial. I wish all of my care providers noticed my anxiety, ADHD symptoms, intense worry and rumination before early parenthood flattened me." Anon (COPE, 2026)
It can be difficult to prioritise self-care and what this looks like will be different for everyone - depending on your needs, your energy levels and any other responsibilities or demands you're managing during pregnancy.
- Look after your sensory needs – using fidget toys can help improve your focus or channel excess energy. Ear plugs or headphones can be helpful to filter or reduce background noise.
"Find coping skills you can utilise when sensory overload kicks in." Anon (COPE, 2026)
- Practice self-compassion – be gentle on yourself. Try to not be self-critical or compare yourself with others.
There are neuroaffirming health professionals, many with lived experience, who can provide support during pregnancy and after your baby arrives.
To find help, search the COPE Directory.
For some people, ADHD symptoms may present challenges during pregnancy and early parenthood, while many parents describe positive aspects of neurodivergence.
Some autistic expectant parents report feeling empowered, strong and capable during pregnancy. For others, communication challenges and unmet sensory needs can mean that they fail to receive adequate care.
Some autistic expectant parents report feeling empowered, strong and capable during pregnancy. For others, communication challenges and unmet sensory needs can mean they fail to receive proper care during this time.
"My ADHD makes motherhood a huge challenge, but it also gives me superpowers", by Sarah Marsh in The Guardian
"What it's like living with ADHD while pregnant" by Elizabeth Cornell ABC News
The podcast Australian Birth Stories features several episodes exploring neurodivergence and new parenthood.
ADHD Foundation Australia's free helpline is available to anyone seeking accurate information, direction, services and support. Call 1300 39 39 19 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm AEST).
Aspect's Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub has a range of resources including a neuroaffirming birth plan template you can download and complete.
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