How does maternal smoking impact brain structure and function and ADHD risk?

PostedAugust 18, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 4, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD brain imaging has shown that maternal smoking during pregnancy can significantly impact brain structure and function, increasing the risk of developing ADHD. Nicotine and other harmful substances in cigarettes can affect the developing brain, particularly areas responsible for attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation. These alterations are linked to the ADHD behaviour commonly observed in children born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy.

Studies using brain scans ADHD have revealed structural differences in regions like the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia, which are involved in decision-making, focus, and emotional regulation. Prenatal exposure to nicotine disrupts the development of these regions, leading to ADHD behaviour such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These findings highlight the prenatal risk ADHD and its long-term impact on brain development.

Common Symptoms Linked to Maternal Smoking and ADHD

Here are some common symptoms associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy and ADHD brain imaging:

Difficulty focusing and maintaining attention

Children exposed to maternal smoking often struggle to concentrate, particularly in environments requiring sustained attention. This is linked to changes in the prefrontal cortex.

Impulsivity and emotional regulation challenges

Impulsive behaviours and difficulty controlling emotions are common in children exposed to maternal smoking. These symptoms are often related to disruptions in the basal ganglia and ADHD behaviour.

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For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Brain Structure and Function.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.