Many factors thought to contribute to ADHD occur during pregnancy; for example, research suggests that mothers who smoke, use drugs, or eat a poor diet while pregnant may be at higher risk of having a child with ADHD. Other health conditions, such as gestational diabetes, may also increase the risk of a child being born with ADHD. Thus, avoiding cigarettes and other substances, eating a nutritious diet, and receiving adequate prenatal care could offer some protective benefits. However, it’s important to remember that ADHD is due to a complex confluence of factors, and even mothers who receive excellent prenatal care or engage in healthy behaviors may still give birth to children who later go on to develop ADHD.