Ten Things You Need To Learn About ADHD Medication Pregnancy

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women with ADHD face a difficult decision regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is a lack of information about how long-term exposure to these drugs may affect the fetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems like hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that further high-quality studies are required.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication must evaluate the benefits of using it versus the risks to the foetus. Doctors don't have enough data to provide clear recommendations, but can provide information about risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who were taking ADHD medications during early pregnancy did not face a significantly increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers conducted a massive population-based study of case control to assess the frequency of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists looked over the cases to ensure an accurate case classification and to minimize the chance of bias.

The study of the researchers had some limitations. Most important, they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder at hand. This limitation makes it difficult to know whether the limited associations observed in the exposed groups result from medication use or the confounding effect of comorbidities. The researchers also did not look at long-term outcomes for the offspring.

The study found that babies whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to mothers who did not use any medication during pregnancy or had discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant inattentive adhd medication medications during pregnancy also had a higher chance of having to have a caesarean section or a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases didn't appear to be influenced by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the minor risks associated with the use ADHD medications in early pregnancies could be offset by the greater benefits for baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this and as much as possible, assist them develop coping skills that can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships.

Interactions with Medication

As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the issue of whether to keep or end treatment during pregnancy is one that more and more physicians confront. The majority of these decisions are made without any evidence that is clear and definitive regardless, so doctors have to weigh their experience, the experiences of other doctors, and what medications are prescribed for adhd research says on the topic as well as their own best judgment for each individual patient.

The issue of potential risks to infants is difficult to determine. Many of the studies on this issue are based on observational evidence rather than controlled research, and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies focus on live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that can lead to abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these issues by looking at data from both live and deceased births.

The conclusion is that while some studies have shown a positive association between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, other studies have not found any evidence of a link and the majority of studies have a neutral or slightly negative effect. In each case an in-depth analysis of the potential risks and benefits must be performed.

It can be difficult, if not impossible, for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In fact, in a recent article in the Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can cause depression, feelings of loneliness and family conflict for those suffering from the disorder. A loss of medication may also affect the ability to safely drive and complete work-related tasks, which are vital aspects of everyday life for people with ADHD.

She suggests that women who are not sure whether to continue taking the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy educate family members, colleagues, and acquaintances about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment. Educating them can also help the woman feel supported when she is struggling with her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the medication may be transferred to her infant.

Birth Defects Risk

As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows as do concerns about the effects that the drugs could have on fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge about this subject. Researchers used two massive datasets to analyze over 4.3 million pregnant women and determine whether stimulant medications increased birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the researchers did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medicines was associated with an increase in the risk of certain heart defects such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).

The researchers of the study could not discover any link between early use of medication and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities, or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies that showed the existence of a slight, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medication prior to the time of pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, as many women decide to stop taking their ADHD medication.

Women who used ADHD medications in the first trimester of their pregnancy were also more likely to have a caesarean section, a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby who required help breathing at birth. However the researchers of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection by restricting the study to women who did not have any other medical issues that could have contributed to these findings.

Researchers hope their research will inform physicians when they encounter pregnant women. They suggest that although a discussion of the benefits and risks is important, the decision to stop or continue treatment should be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.

The authors warn that, although stopping the medication is an option to consider, it is not recommended because of the high incidence of depression and other mental disorders among women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medication will have a tough adjustment to life without them once the baby is born.

Nursing

It can be a challenge becoming a mother. Women with ADHD who have to manage their symptoms while attending physician appointments as well as preparing for the arrival of a child and adjusting to new household routines may face a lot of challenges. As such, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.

The risk for nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk in low amounts. However, the rate of exposure to medication by the newborn can vary depending on dosage, frequency it is administered and the time of the day the medication is administered. Additionally, different medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn is not completely comprehended.

Due where to get prescribed adhd medication - please click the following article - the absence of research, some physicians may recommend stopping stimulant medications during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must balance the benefits of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the embryo. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors can ask pregnant patients whether they have any history of ADHD or if they plan to take medication in the perinatal period.

A growing number of studies have shown that the majority of women are able to safely continue to take their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In response, a growing number of patients are choosing to do so. They have discovered through consultation with their doctor, that the benefits of retaining their current medication outweigh possible risks.

Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor, and the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women with ADHD be aware of the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and build strategies for coping. This should include an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, monitoring of signs of deterioration, and, if necessary modifications to the medication regimen.