Challenges for neurodivergent mothers

Mothers with neurodivergent conditions, such as autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), may experience unique challenges during pregnancy and childbirth. These challenges can increase the risk of birth trauma if they are not supported effectively. For example, some studies related to maternal health warn that the consumption of certain foods or an unhealthy diet during pregnancy may impact on the unborn baby’s neurodevelopment, which means how the foetal brain is growing (Zupo et al., 2024).

For some neurodivergent mothers, who are struggling with the sensory physical changes in their bodies, along with changes in taste buds, tiredness, and the overwhelm of planning for bringing up a child, focusing on healthy eating and avoiding processed foods may be difficult.

Neurodivergent mothers may be at greater risk of postnatal depression after birth, also. The Birth Trauma Association found some statistics around this: ‘A 2020 study reported that 60% of women with autism experienced postnatal depression, compared to the average rate of 12%. Similarly, a 2023 study showed an independent association between ADHD and depression and anxiety disorders postpartum.’

Reducing stressors

Minimising sensory stressors can be valuable in supporting neurodivergent mothers during pregnancy, birth, and in that postpartum stage. Sensory experiences in the perinatal period can be intense and overwhelming. These can include challenges in navigating bodily changes, coping with the sensations of birth, tolerating the bright lights and loud noises of medical settings, undergoing tests, scans and procedures, and all the sensory demands of life with a newborn.

What may support look like for neurodivergent mothers?

Supporting neurodivergent mothers during pregnancy and birth requires a tailored and empathetic approach that is built on compassion, kindness, and understanding on how neurodivergent brains work. Looking at care through the mother’s eyes can be of great value.

Here are some strategies that midwives, practitioners, and others in the mother’s network may offer support along the pregnancy journey:

Communication: Hearing the mother’s voice and wishes is key. Neurodiversity is a spectrum, and each mother’s needs will vary. Where possible, any information relayed to the mother should avoid jargon and provide information in multiple formats (such as written, visual, etc.) which may be more accessible.

Sensory sensitivity: Some neurodivergent mothers may struggle with sensory triggers, and these may be heightened during pregnancy due to hormones when tastes and smells change. Practitioners should be mindful of sensory triggers, such as bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells, creating a calm and predictable environment when possible, turning off or dimming lights if possible.

Predictability and routine: The medical team should provide clear explanations of procedures and routines, and offer tours of the birthing facility beforehand.

Advocacy and support: Other people in the mother’s family or friends network can help advocate for her wellbeing. Friends can support the mother in developing a birth plan that accommodates their needs and preferences. The ‘SPELL framework’ (Structure, Positivity, Empathy, Low arousal, Links) from the National Autistic Society (2025), although created to support all autistic children and adults, is a very useful tool to help plan for provision during pregnancy. A ‘doula’, a non-medical professional, may be hired to offer physical and emotional guidance during pregnancy and labour and can be an additional support for a neurodivergent mother.

By considering these strategies, midwives and practitioners can create a more positive and supportive birthing experience for neurodivergent mothers. It must be highlighted, however, that this list is not exclusive for neurodivergent mothers, and may offer a more inclusive and safe space for all expectant mothers.

So what does this mean?

Understanding connections between traumatic birth and the development of neurodivergence can help practitioners offer more sensitive support to mothers and carers, especially during the perinatal phase. This may lead to more enjoyable pregnancy experiences and may reduce development of anxiety and depression in the postpartum stage.