15 Top ADHD Medication Pregnancy Bloggers You Need To Follow
15 Top ADHD Medication Pregnancy Bloggers You Need To Follow
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or keep ADHD medications during breastfeeding and pregnancy is challenging for women with the condition. There are few data on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect a fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus don't develop neurological conditions like hearing or vision impairment seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality research.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who use ADHD medications must weigh the benefits of using them against the risks to the foetus. Doctors don't have enough data to make unambiguous recommendations, but can provide information on risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications during their early pregnancy did not face a significantly higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based case control study to compare the incidence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to ensure that the classification was correct and to reduce any bias.
However, the study was not without its flaws. 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 small associations observed among the groups that were exposed to the use of medication or if they were caused by the presence of comorbidities. Additionally, the researchers did not study the long-term outcomes of offspring.
The study found that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to mothers who didn't take any medication during pregnancy or had discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders, and the higher risk of admission was not found to be influenced by which stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.
Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an elevated risk of having a caesarean delivery or having a child with low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases appear to be independent of the type of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the minor risks associated with the use ADHD medications during early pregnancies may be offset by the greater benefits for mother and baby of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this issue and try to help them develop coping skills that can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
Doctors are increasingly confronted with the dilemma of whether to keep treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are usually made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to weigh their own knowledge and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors, and the research on the topic.
The issue of potential risks to the infant can be extremely difficult. Many of the studies on this issue are based on observational evidence rather than controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which may undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by examining data on both live and deceased births.
Conclusion: While some studies have shown a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't shown such a relationship. Most studies show a neutral, or even somewhat negative, effect. In every case an in-depth analysis of the benefits and risks is required.
It isn't easy, but not impossible for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In a recent article published in Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can cause depression and feelings of isolation. A decrease in medication could also affect the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are essential aspects of everyday life for those with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers and their friends about the condition, the impact on daily functioning and the benefits of keeping the current treatment. It will also help a woman feel confident about her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If the patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the drug 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) increases, so do concerns about what impact the drugs might have on fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this topic. Using two massive data sets, researchers were able to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the scientists discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was associated with an increase in the risk of certain heart defects such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).
The authors of the study could not find any association between early medication usage and congenital anomalies such as facial deformities or club feet. The results are in the same vein as previous studies that have shown a small, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medication prior to the birth of their child. The risk increased in the latter stages of pregnancy when many women stopped taking their medication.
Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean delivery, have a low Apgar after birth and had a baby that required help breathing after birth. The researchers of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias because they limited their study to women with no other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope their research will aid in the clinical decisions of physicians who treat pregnant women. The researchers advise that, while discussing the risks and benefits are important, the choice regarding whether or not to stop taking medication should be based on the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements.
The authors also advise that, while stopping the medication is an option, it isn't an option to consider due to the high incidence of depression and other mental health issues in women who are pregnant or who are recently postpartum. Furthermore, research suggests that women who decide to stop their medications are more likely to experience difficulties adapting to life without them after the birth of their baby.
Nursing
It can be overwhelming becoming a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, 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 pass through breast milk in very small quantities, so the risk for nursing infant is very low. The rate of medication exposure can vary depending upon the dosage, frequency of administration and the time of day. In addition, different medications are introduced into the baby's system through the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The impact of these medications on the health of a newborn click here isn't completely comprehended.
Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must balance the benefits of continuing her medication against the possible dangers to the embryo. Until more information is available, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal time.
A growing number of studies have shown that women can continue to take their ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In response, a rising number of patients are choosing to do so. They have found after consulting with their doctors, that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh potential risks.
It is essential for women with ADHD who are considering 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 methods. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize the signs and the underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and strengthen strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary effort with the GPs, obstetricians and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary modifications to the medication regime.