10 Things You Learned From Kindergarden That Will Help You With ADHD Medication Pregnancy

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medication during pregnancy and nursing is challenging for women with the condition. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these drugs could affect the fetus.

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

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Pregnant women who use ADHD medications must weigh the advantages of using them against the risks to the fetus. Physicians don't have the information needed to give clear guidelines, but they can provide information on risks and benefits that assist pregnant women in making informed decisions.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at a higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based study of case-control to assess the risk of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants during early pregnancy and those who had not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts examined the cases to confirm that the classification was accurate and to minimize any bias.

However, the study was not without its flaws. The researchers were unable in the beginning to distinguish the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the few associations observed between the exposed groups were due to the use of medication or confounded by comorbidities. In addition the study did not examine the long-term outcomes of offspring.

The study did show that infants whose mothers took ADHD medications during pregnancy were at slightly higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those whose mothers had not taken any medication or cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system-related disorders and the increased risk for admission did not appear to be affected by the type of stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.

Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an elevated risk of having a caesarean section or having a baby born with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These risks did not appear to be affected by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the minor risks posed by the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancies can be offset by greater benefits for mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman’s disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this issue and try to help them develop coping strategies that can lessen the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and her relationships.

Medication Interactions

As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the dilemma of whether to continue or discontinue treatment during pregnancy is one that doctors are having to have to face. These decisions are often made without clear and reliable evidence. Instead, doctors must consider their own expertise and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors and the research on the topic.

Particularly, the subject of potential risks for the infant can be difficult. A lot of studies on this issue are based on observations instead of controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies restrict their analysis to live-births, which could underestimate the teratogenic impact leading to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing data on live and deceased births.

Conclusion A few studies have found a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't established a link. Most studies show an unintended, or slightly negative, effect. In the end an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be done in each instance.

For a lot of women with ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to stop medication is difficult if not impossible. In an article recently published in Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can lead to increased depression, feelings of loneliness and family conflict for these patients. Furthermore, a loss of medication may affect the ability to perform work-related tasks and safely drive, which are important aspects of a normal life for many people suffering from ADHD.

adhd medication online  recommends women who are uncertain about whether or not to stop medication in light of their pregnancy should consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and the advantages of continuing the current treatment plan. It can also help a woman feel supported in her decision. It is important to remember that some medications are able to pass through the placenta so if a woman decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that traces of the drug could be transferred to the child.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases, so do concerns about the effects that the drugs might have on foetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing information on this topic. With two massive data sets, researchers were able to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the researchers discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was linked to a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects, like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD).

The researchers of the study found no association between early medication use and other congenital anomalies, such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in the same vein as previous studies that have shown the existence of a slight, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medication before pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter stages of pregnancy when many women decided to stop taking their medication.

Women who used ADHD medication in the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to have a caesarean section, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby that required breathing assistance at birth. The researchers of the study were unable to eliminate bias due to selection because they restricted the study to women without other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.

The researchers hope their study will help inform the clinical decisions of physicians who treat pregnant women. They recommend that, while the discussion of risks and benefits is important, 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 caution that, while stopping the medication is an option, it isn't an option to consider due to the high rate of depression and other mental health issues among women who are pregnant or who are recently postpartum. Additionally, the research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medications are more likely to experience a difficult time adjusting to life without them after the baby's arrival.

Nursing

It can be a stressful experience to become a mother. Women with ADHD who have to manage their symptoms while attending physician appointments and preparing for the arrival of their child and getting used to new routines at home can experience severe challenges. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk for nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medications is absorbed through breast milk at low levels. The amount of exposure to medications will vary based on the dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and the time of the day. Additionally, different medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk. The impact of this on a newborn isn't well known.

Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must balance the benefits of continuing her medication against the possible risks to the foetus. Until more information is available, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and if they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal time.

A increasing number of studies have revealed that most women can safely continue their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. In response, a rising number of patients are opting to do this. They have concluded through consultation with their doctor, that the benefits of retaining their current medication outweigh possible risks.

It is essential for women with ADHD who are considering breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's guidance prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor and discuss the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation should also be provided to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD be aware of their symptoms and the root cause and learn about treatment options and reinforce existing strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary effort with the GPs, obstetricians, and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, monitoring of indicators of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.