Tuesday, August 28, 2012

ADHD Causes - Complications During Pregnancy and Childbirth

ADHD Causes - Complications During Pregnancy and Childbirth


Western medicine often blames genetics and biology for the onset of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.  While it is true that a certain genetic makeup places an individual at risk to develop ADHD, there is a lot of evidence that shows how certain environmental conditions can trigger the disorder.  These environmental factors are numerous and can do their damage as early as pregnancy! Below are some pre-natal complications and maternal behaviors during pregnancy that may cause ADHD.Alcohol consumption and smoking.It is common knowledge that drinking alcohol or smoking during pregnancy can cause a host of birth defects and health problems in the developing fetus.  Although most mothers avoid alcoholic drinks and quit smoking during pregnancy, women who aren't aware of their pregnancy often keep up these habits until they discover that they're pregnant.Many women also do not know that simply being exposed to secondhand smoke while pregnant or bringing up a baby in a household of smokers can damage the developing nervous system of the child.Is there scientific evidence for all this? Dr.Eric Mick from Harvard Medical School did a study where he asked 280 mothers of children diagnosed with ADHD about their lifestyle habits during pregnancy.Their answers were compared to the answers of 240 mothers of children without ADHD.  When he looked at their answers together, Dr.Mick discovered that the children with ADHD were more likely to have been exposed to cigarette smoke and alcohol during pregnancy.  Although the ADHD children did not have any signs of fetal alcohol syndrome, simple exposure to alcohol and cigarette smoke is enough to put a child at risk for ADHD and other developmental disorders. .Cesarean birth or a traumatic birth.Did you know that a vaginal delivery is the best way to give birth?  When a baby passes through the vagina, the pushing motion activates the primitive neurological reflexes that are needed for the proper neurological development of a child.  A Cesarean section cannot activate these neurological reflexes.But a vaginal birth does not necessarily mean the baby will be free from developmental problems.If the vaginal delivery is traumatic or stressful (e.G., forceps are used or there is a lot of twisting and pulling) the tissues of the delicate upper part of the neck can be damaged, affecting the spine's ability to transmit messages to the brain.Stress.Maternal stress during pregnancy can also be a trigger for ADHD.A study by McGill University gathered 203 children with ADHD and examined the severity of their symptoms.Their mothers were also asked if they experienced stressful life events or complications during pregnancy.After examining both sets of data, the researchers found out that mothers who experienced moderate or severe stress in pregnancy had children with more severe symptoms. .Although there is compelling evidence that these problems during pregnancy and birth may trigger the disorder, there are many other possible causes for ADHD that need to be addressed.It is important that your health care practitioner identify all the other triggers so your child can overcome ADHD naturally.

ADHD Causes - Complications During Pregnancy and Childbirth



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