The 10 Most Scariest Things About ADHD Medication Pregnancy

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women suffering from ADHD have to make a difficult choice about whether to continue or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There aren't many studies regarding how exposure over time may affect the fetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality studies.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication must evaluate the benefits of using it versus the risks for the baby. The doctors don't have the information to provide clear recommendations, but can provide information on the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making an informed decision.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who were taking ADHD medications during their early pregnancy did not have a significantly higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a massive population-based study of case control to examine the prevalence of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts examined the cases to confirm that the classification was correct and to minimize any bias.

The study of the researchers was not without limitations. The researchers were not able in the beginning to distinguish the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder.  most effective adhd medication for adults  makes it difficult to determine whether the small associations observed in the groups that were exposed result from medication use or the confounding effect of comorbidities. The researchers also did not examine the long-term effects for the offspring.

The study did show that babies whose mothers had taken ADHD medications during pregnancy were at slightly more risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those whose mothers had not taken any medication or had stopped their medications before or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders, and the increased risk for admission did not appear to be influenced by the stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an elevated chance of having a caesarean birth or having a baby born with low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases didn't appear to be affected by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.

The research suggests that the risk of a small amount with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefits for both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, if possible, help them develop strategies to improve their coping abilities that may minimize the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and relationships.

Interactions with Medication

As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the question of whether to keep or stop treatment during pregnancy is one that more and more physicians confront. Often, these decisions are taken in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive in either case, which means that doctors must weigh their knowledge, the experiences of other doctors, and what research suggests on the subject as well as their own judgments for each individual patient.

The issue of risk to infants is extremely difficult. The research on this issue is based on observation rather than controlled studies, and a lot of the results are contradictory. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which could underestimate severe teratogenic effects that cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by examining data on both live and deceased births.

Conclusion: While some studies have revealed a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects However, other studies haven't shown such a relationship. The majority of studies show that there is a neutral, or slightly negative, effect. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit analysis must be done in each situation.

It can be difficult, if not impossible for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In an article published in Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can increase depression, feelings of loneliness, and family conflict for patients with ADHD. Additionally, the loss of medication may affect the ability to perform job-related tasks and drive safely which are essential aspects of a normal life for a lot of people with ADHD.

She recommends women who are unsure about whether or not to stop taking medication because of their pregnancy consider informing family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and the advantages of continuing the current treatment regimen. It can also help a woman feel supported in her decision. Certain medications can be passed through the placenta. If the patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the medication could be transferred to the baby.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows there are concerns about the effects that the drugs might have on foetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this issue. Researchers used two massive datasets to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnant women and determine if the use of stimulant medications caused birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the researchers discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was associated with an increase in the risk of specific heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).

The authors of the study could not discover any connection between early use of medication and congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in agreement with previous studies that have shown a small, but significant increase in cardiac malformations for women who started taking ADHD medication prior to the time of the time of pregnancy. The risk grew in the later part of pregnancy, as many women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medication.

Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely need a caesarean or have an insufficient Apgar after delivery and have a baby that needed breathing assistance at birth. However the authors of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.

Researchers hope that their study will provide doctors with information when they meet pregnant women. The researchers advise that, while discussing risks and benefits are crucial, the decision about whether to continue or stop medication should be made in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman.

The authors also advise that even though stopping the medication is an option, it is not a recommended practice because of the high prevalence of depression and other mental health issues among women who are pregnant or who are recently post-partum. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult transitioning to life without them after the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities that come with being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women suffering from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must deal with their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to a new routine. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk to a breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medications passes through breast milk at a low level. However, the rate of exposure to medications by the newborn may differ based on the dosage, frequency it is administered, and the time of day the medication is administered. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system via the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn isn't completely comprehended.

Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult decision for the woman, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the risk to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal time.

A increasing number of studies have shown that women can continue to take their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. In response, an increasing number of patients are opting to continue their medication. They have concluded after consulting with their physicians that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh possible risks.

It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior to becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their physician and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand their symptoms and underlying disorder, learn about available treatments and to reinforce existing strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary approach with the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counselling should include the discussion of a plan for management for both the mother as well as the child, monitoring for signs of deterioration, and when necessary, making adjustments to the medication regimen.