10 Quick Tips About ADHD Medication Pregnancy

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medications during breastfeeding and pregnancy is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these medications can affect the fetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus do not develop neurological conditions like hearing loss or impaired vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that further high-quality studies are required.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of taking them against the potential risks to the fetus. The doctors don't have the information to give clear advice, but can provide information about risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used adhd over the counter medication uk medications in early pregnancy did not face an increased risk of fetal heart malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based study of case control to assess the frequency of structural defects that were major in infants born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to confirm that the classification was correct and to eliminate any bias.

The study of the researchers was not without its limitations. The most important issue was that they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder at hand. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the small differences observed between the exposed groups were due to the use of medications, or if they were confounded by co-morbidities. In addition the study did not examine the long-term outcomes of offspring.

The study did find that infants 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 who were born without any medication or had stopped their medications before or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system-related disorders, and the higher risk of admission did not appear to be influenced by which stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant adhd over the counter medication uk medication during pregnancy were also at an increased risk of having a caesarean birth or having a child with low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases appeared to be independent of the type of medication taken during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the minor risks associated with the use ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages may be offset by the more beneficial outcomes for both mother and baby of continuing treatment for the woman’s disorder. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, if possible, help them develop strategies to improve their coping abilities which can reduce the negative impact of her condition on her daily functioning and relationships.

Medication Interactions

Doctors are increasingly faced with the decision of whether to keep treatment or stop during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are frequently made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must weigh their own knowledge, the experience of other doctors, and the research on the subject.

Particularly, the issue of potential risks for the infant can be difficult. The research on this issue is based on observation rather than controlled studies and a lot of the results are in conflict. The majority of studies focus on live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these limitations by examining data on both live and deceased births.

The conclusion is that while certain studies have demonstrated a positive association between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, others have found no connection and the majority of studies show a neutral or even slightly negative impact. As a result an accurate risk-benefit analysis is required in every case.

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 isolation, and family conflict for patients with adhd medications for adults with anxiety. In addition, a decrease in medication can interfere with the ability to complete work-related tasks and safely drive, which are important aspects of a normal life for many people with ADHD.

She recommends women who are unsure about whether to keep or discontinue medication due to their pregnancy, consider informing family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and on the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan. It can also aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported in her struggle with her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides not to take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the medication could be transferred to the baby.

Birth Defects Risk

As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows there are concerns about what impact the drugs might have on foetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this subject. Using two massive data sets, researchers were able to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall is low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medications was linked to a slightly higher rate of specific heart defects, like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD).

The researchers of the study did not find any association between early use of medication and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies which showed a small, but significant increase in cardiac malformations for women who started taking ADHD medication before the birth of their child. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medications.

Women who were taking Adhd Medication List Uk medication in the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean birth, have a low Apgar after delivery, and had a baby that required help breathing at birth. However the authors of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias by limiting the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could be a contributing factor to these findings.

Researchers hope their research will provide doctors with information when they see pregnant women. They suggest that although a discussion of the benefits and risks is important however, the decision to stop or keep treatment should be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.

The authors also warn that, while stopping the medication is an option, it isn't an option to consider due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental health problems for women who are expecting or post-partum. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medication will have a harder adjustment to life without them after the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities of a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to manage their symptoms while attending physician appointments as well as preparing for the arrival of a child and adapting to new routines in the home are often faced with a number of difficulties. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk to a breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medications is absorbed through breast milk at a low level. However, the rate of medication exposure to the infant can differ based on the dosage, frequency it is administered, and the time of day it is administered. Additionally, individual medications enter the body of the baby differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn infant is not yet fully understood.

Some physicians may discontinue 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 taking her medication as well as the risk to the fetus. As long as more information is available, doctors can ask pregnant patients if they have any history of ADHD or if they intend to take medication in the perinatal stage.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue to take their adhd medication making it worse medication safely during pregnancy and breast-feeding. In the end, more and more patients are choosing to do so and in consultation with their doctor they have discovered that the benefits of keeping their current medication exceed any risk.

Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician and discuss the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women with ADHD recognize the signs and the underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and strengthen the coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.