Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychological disorder. Most are familiar with this disorder that occurs in children, but adults and pregnant women can also have ADHD. Read more about Simple Tips To Manage ADHD during Pregnancy
Symptoms of ADHD are difficult to concentrate, paying attention, remaining organized and recalling the details. Hyperactivity and impulsivity are also very common.
For those who are pregnant and diagnosed with ADHD, things can get complicated quickly. Mastering things are not easy for the pregnant woman or other family members.
This happens while the first-line drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are classified as category C drugs. Due to insufficient research, experts still do not know whether these drugs are safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
The risks cannot be taken because there is uncertainty about the impact on an unborn baby. No one wants to harm the baby that grows in the womb.
The hormonal changes going on in a woman’s body during pregnancy can cause more important ADHD symptoms. Also, the stress and anxiety that one can experience during pregnancy can add to the problem.
However, this does not mean that pregnancy and ADHD cannot be treated. There are several lifestyles and behavioral changes that can help to keep the symptoms of ADHD under control and ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Here are some tips for managing ADHD during pregnancy.
Table of Contents
1. Do Regular Exercise
Regular physical exercise ensures positive changes in the brain, which can improve attention and improve mood.
Beyond helping with ADHD symptoms, exercise can help you stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. Increased excess weight during pregnancy can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and much more.
Be sure to walk at least 30 minutes, three times a week. You can always consult your doctor to learn about other types of exercises that you can perform safely during your pregnancy, depending on your state of health.
2. Practice Yoga
Practicing yoga during pregnancy is one of the best ways to keep your body healthy and your mind balanced. It is also good to keep the symptoms of ADHD under control.
The combination of physical postures, breathing exercises and deep relaxation techniques used in yoga helps calm and strengthen the central nervous system, helping to manage the symptoms of ADHD.
In addition, yoga can be very beneficial during pregnancy, as long as you take certain precautions. However, do not do yoga poses that put stress on your back after the first trimester. Such poses can reduce blood flow to the uterus.
Also, avoid yoga poses that stretch too many muscles, especially the abdominal muscles.
Always do yoga under the direction of a qualified expert and keep them abreast of your state of health.
3. Practice Attentive Meditation
Tranquility and positivity are more important than ever when you are pregnant. It becomes even more important if you have ADHD.
To ensure calm and positivity, the practice of careful meditation helps a lot. This helps you cope with the demands of your body and mind, and benefits your unborn baby in different ways.
Meditation also calms the stress of pregnancy, which can trigger an inflammatory response that can result in decreased birth weight or early childbirth.
Stress can also have long-term effects on your child, leading to developmental problems and hyperactivity.
4. Get Enough Sleep
The hormonal changes going on in the body, as well as the growing weight of the baby, can make it difficult for pregnant women to have a good sleep. According to the National Institutes of Health, during pregnancy, women may need a few hours of sleep per night or a few short naps during the day.
The study also highlights the fact that sleep deprivation during pregnancy was associated with longer work, high perception of pain and discomfort during labor, higher cesarean rates, labor prematurity and higher levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines.
In addition, a healthy sleeping amount can help improve the symptoms of ADHD, such as irritability and inattention. On the other hand, sleep disorders can aggravate the symptoms of ADHD.
5. Take Best Diet and Nutrition
Healthy eating and nutrition are important during pregnancy and management of ADHD symptoms.
The body and brain need different types of nutrients to function properly and, during pregnancy, you must follow a balanced diet to ensure good health for your baby.
Eat foods high in protein to increase dopamine production, which helps you stay focused. In addition, consume foods rich in magnesium to reduce irritability, increase attention and reduce mental confusion.
Take prenatal vitamins as well as fatty acids and brain foods that help to reverse the unwanted symptoms.
Other foods that may be useful are foods rich in vitamin B6, zinc and calcium.
Caution: During pregnancy, do not take nutritional supplements without consulting your doctor.
Other Additional Tips
- It is recommended to switch to a gluten-free diet to improve behavior and thinking.
- Keep drinking water throughout the day to avoid everything from stretch marks to emotional collapses.
- Spend quality time with your family.
- Look for new ways to improve your connection with your unborn baby.