15 Best ADHD Medication Pregnancy Bloggers You Should Follow
15 Best ADHD Medication Pregnancy Bloggers You Should Follow
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and nursing is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There aren't many studies on how long-term exposure may affect a fetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological disorders such as hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.
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 the risks and benefits to help pregnant women make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who were taking ADHD medications in early pregnancy did not have a significantly higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers used a large population-based study of case control to examine the prevalence of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists examined the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to minimize the chance of bias.
The research conducted by the researchers was not without its limitations. The researchers were unable in the beginning to distinguish the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the small associations observed among the groups that were exposed to the use of medications, or if they were affected by co-morbidities. Additionally the researchers did not look at the long-term outcomes of offspring.
The study did show that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who were born without any medication or had cut back on their medications 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 that was used during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having an emergency caesarean section or having the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases appear to be independent of the type of medication taken during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the minor risk of using ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages could be offset by the greater benefits for baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, if possible, assist them in developing strategies to improve their coping abilities that can lessen the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever are diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the question of whether to continue or discontinue treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more doctors face. Most of the time, these decisions are made without any evidence that is clear and definitive in either case, which means that doctors have to weigh their experience, the experiences of other doctors, and what research says on the topic and their own judgments for each individual patient.
The issue of potential risks to the infant can be particularly tricky. Many of the studies on this topic are based on observations rather than controlled research and their findings are often contradictory. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which may undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in the journal club addresses these issues, by examining both 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 found a correlation. The majority of studies show a neutral, or even somewhat negative, effect. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit assessment must be conducted in every situation.
It can be difficult, if not impossible for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In an article recently published in Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can increase depression, feelings of isolation, and family conflict for those suffering from the disorder. A decrease in medication could also impact the ability to safely drive and perform work-related tasks, which are vital aspects of normal life for those with ADHD.
She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to take the medication or stop due to pregnancy, educate their family members, coworkers and friends about the condition, its impact on daily functioning and the advantages of staying on the current treatment. It will also help a woman feel confident about her decision. It is important to note that certain medications can pass through the placenta, therefore, if a patient decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that the effects of the drug can be passed on to the baby.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns over the impact that these medications could have on foetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this issue. Researchers used two huge datasets to analyze over 4.3 million pregnant women and determine if the use of stimulant medications increased birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the overall risk is low, first-trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects like ventriculoseptal defect.
The researchers behind the study found no link between early use of medication and congenital abnormalities 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 began taking ADHD medication prior to the time of the birth of their child. The risk increased in the latter half of pregnancy when a large number of women began to stop taking their medication.
Women who used ADHD medications during the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to experience a caesarean section, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby that required help breathing at birth. The authors of the study were unable to eliminate bias due to selection because they limited their study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope that their research will help inform the clinical decisions of physicians who treat pregnant women. They advise that while discussing the benefits and risks is important but the decision to stop or continue treatment should be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors also advise that even though stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not a recommended practice because of the high rate of depression and other mental health problems in women who are pregnant or who are recently postpartum. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medications will have a harder transitioning to life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities of a new mother can be overwhelming. Women with ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must deal with their symptoms, go to doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to new routines. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant drugs are absorbed through breast milk in low amounts, so the risk for nursing infant is very low. The amount of exposure to medications will differ based on dosage and frequency of administration as well as time of day. Additionally, different medications are introduced into the baby's system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The impact on a newborn's health is not completely known.
Due to the absence of evidence, some doctors may recommend stopping stimulant medication during the pregnancy of a woman. It's a difficult choice for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of her medication against the risks to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal period.
Numerous studies have proven that women can continue to take their ADHD medication without risk during pregnancy and breast-feeding. In response, a rising number of patients are opting to do this. They have found after consulting with more info their doctor, that the benefits of continuing their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.
It is essential for women with ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber, and the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize their symptoms and the root cause and learn about treatments and to reinforce existing strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary approach with the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. The pregnancy counselling should consist of discussion of a management plan for both mother and child, monitoring for signs of deterioration, and when necessary, making adjustments to the medication regimen.