10 Quick Tips About ADHD Medication Pregnancy

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women suffering from ADHD must make a difficult decision regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There aren't enough data on how long-term exposure may affect the foetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus don't develop neurological disorders such as impaired vision or hearing seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality studies.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication need to weigh the benefits of taking it against the potential risks to the baby. Physicians don't have the information needed to make unequivocal recommendations, but they can provide information regarding benefits and risks that can assist pregnant women in making informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at greater risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based study of case control to compare the incidence of structural defects that were major in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts examined the cases to ensure that the classification was correct and to minimize any bias.

The research conducted by the researchers was not without limitations. The researchers were unable, in the first place, to separate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the limited associations observed in the groups that were exposed result from medication use or confounding by comorbidities. In addition the study did not examine the long-term outcomes of offspring.

The study revealed that babies whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to those whose mothers did not take any medication during pregnancy, or had discontinued taking their medication for inattentive adhd and anxiety prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system-related disorders and the increased risk of admission did not appear to be affected by the type of stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher chance of having a caesarean section or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did not appear to be affected by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.

The researchers suggest that the risk of a small amount with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy could be offset by the greater benefits for both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, when possible, assist them in developing strategies to improve coping skills that can lessen the impact of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.

Interactions with Medication

Many doctors are confronted with the dilemma of whether to keep treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are frequently made without clear and reliable evidence. Instead, doctors must take into account their own experience in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors and the research on the topic.

The issue of risk to the infant can be particularly tricky. The research on this subject is based on observation rather than controlled studies and many of the findings are in conflict. The majority of studies restrict their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the teratogenic impact which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study presented in the journal club addresses these shortcomings, by examining both information on deceased and live births.

Conclusion A few studies have revealed an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects However, other studies haven't established a link. The majority of studies show a neutral, or even slight negative effect. In each case, a careful study 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 a recent piece published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping different adhd medications medications during pregnancy can increase depression and feelings of isolation. A decrease in medication could affect the ability to safely drive and complete work-related tasks, which are essential aspects of normal life for those suffering from ADHD.

She suggests women who are unsure about whether to keep or stop medication in light of their pregnancy should consider informing family members, friends and colleagues about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of continuing the current treatment plan. Educating them can also help the woman feel supported in her struggle with her decision. It is also worth noting that some medications can be absorbed through the placenta so if the patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that traces of the medication could be transferred to the infant.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns over the impact that these drugs might have on the fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge on this subject. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD exposure to medication was associated with slightly higher risk of certain heart defects, like ventriculoseptal defects.

The researchers of the study found no connection between early use of medication and other congenital anomalies, such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in agreement with previous studies that showed an insignificant, but small increase in cardiac malformations for women who began taking ADHD medication prior to the time of pregnancy. This risk increased in the latter half of pregnancy, when a lot of women decide to stop taking their medication.

Women who were taking ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean delivery and also have an insufficient Apgar after birth and had a baby that required breathing assistance when they were born. The researchers of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias because they restricted the study to women without other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.

The researchers hope their research will serve to inform the clinical decisions of physicians who encounter pregnant women. The researchers suggest that, while discussing the risks and benefits are important, the choice on whether to continue or stop taking medication should be according to the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements.

The authors also caution that while discontinuing the medications is an alternative, it is not a recommended practice because of the high prevalence of depression and other mental health issues in women who are pregnant or recently postpartum. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult adjustment to life without them once the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities of a new mom can be overwhelming. Women with ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to a new routine. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk to a breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk in low amounts. The rate of exposure to medication will differ based on dosage and frequency of administration as well as the time of the day. Additionally, individual medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk. The impact of this on a newborn infant is not yet fully known.

Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must weigh the benefits of keeping her medication with the potential dangers to the fetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors may ask pregnant patients whether they have any background of ADHD or if they intend to take medication in the perinatal stage.

Many studies have shown that women can continue to take their ADHD medication safely while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. In response, a rising number of patients are choosing to do this. They have found, in consultation with their doctors, that the benefits of retaining their current medication outweigh any possible risks.

Women with ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek the advice of an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continued treatment, including non prescription adhd medication for adults, click through the next article,-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation should also be provided to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand their symptoms and the root cause, learn about available treatment options and reinforce existing coping strategies. This should involve an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if needed adjustments to the medication regimen.