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Anxiety in Pregnant Women Can Increase the Risk of ADHD in their Child

Tess Thompson

Anxiety disorders in parents can affect the child from even before s/he is born. It has been proven that anxiety in the pregnant mother can increase the risk of a hyperactive child twofold. This was seen to be more prominent in the boy child rather than the girl child though significant differences were observed in the girl child also.

This is not to scare pregnant women even further because 9 out of every 10 children born to anxious mothers are not hyperactive. It should also be noted that mood swings are common during pregnancy and should not be confused with panic or anxiety attacks.

Prenatal anxiety affects the child because anxiety can cause major hormonal imbalances in the mother leading to a change in her chemistry. Pregnant women should guard actively against getting anxious and should take measures to avoid anxiety. Anxiety relief can be obtained in various ways. Listening to music, taking time out, thinking positive thoughts, talking to other expectant mothers and getting information from the right sources can help in alleviating tension about pregnancy, childbirth and after.

The affects of anxious parents after the child is born also can affect the development and the personality of the individual. Though it is natural to be anxious about the safety, progress, performance and health of your child given that competition, terrorism and societal pressures have built up, it is also prudent to check yourself whenever you get overtly anxious about your child.

You can determine whether you are an anxious parent by assessing yourself. If you start throwing histrionics every time your child encounters a minor problem then there is a cause of worry. And be careful not to assess the extent of the problem based on only your judgment. Don�t be too harsh on yourself or try and be super parent.�Accept the fact that you are a human and be content to bring up your child in the manner you think is best. Researching and seeking parenting tips is fine but don�t overdo it. The fact of the matter is that most experts have different opinions and it can cause you a higher level of anxiety if you over-research an issue, leaving you with no solution at the end of it.

A mother tends to pass on her anxieties to the child since children are great at sensing something wrong. If you are prone to panic attacks or extreme anxiety, it is recommended that you seek some help. Natural anxiety medications are the first route that you should probably take before you start seeking psychiatric help, which is needed only in extreme circumstances.