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

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The decision to stop or keep ADHD medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is challenging for women with the condition. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these drugs can affect the fetus.

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

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication must consider the benefits of taking it versus the risks for the fetus. Physicians don't have the data to give clear advice, but can provide information on the risks and benefits to help pregnant women make informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication in early pregnancy were not at higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based case control study to compare the incidence of structural defects that were major in infants who were born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to make sure that the classification was accurate and to reduce any bias.

However, the researchers' study was not without its flaws. Most important, they were not able to differentiate the effects of the medication from the effects of the disorder at hand. That limitation makes it difficult to know whether the small associations observed in the exposed groups are due to the use of medication or confounding by comorbidities. Researchers also did not look at the long-term effects for the offspring.

The study revealed that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to mothers who did not take any medication during pregnancy or had quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was 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 caesarean sections or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These risks did not seem to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the minor risk of using ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages can be offset by more beneficial outcomes for both mother and baby of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, where possible, help them develop strategies to improve coping skills that may minimize the negative impact of her condition on her daily life and relationships.

Medication Interactions

More and more doctors are faced with the decision of whether to maintain treatment or stop it during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. Often, these decisions are taken in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive in either case, which means that doctors have to weigh their experience from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what research suggests about the subject, along with their own best judgment for each individual patient.

The issue of possible risks to infants is particularly tricky. Many of the studies on this issue are based on observations rather than controlled research, and their findings are often contradictory. Most studies restrict their analysis to live-births, which could underestimate the teratogenic impact which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing the data from deceased and live births.

Conclusion: While some studies have found a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not established a link. Most studies show a neutral, or even somewhat negative, effect. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit analysis must be done in each instance.

For many women with ADHD and ADD, the decision to discontinue 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 cause depression, feelings of loneliness, and family conflict for these patients. A loss of medication may affect the ability to safely drive and perform work-related tasks, which are crucial aspects of everyday life for people with ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure about whether or not to discontinue medication due to their pregnancy, consider educating family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and on the benefits of keeping the current treatment plan. It can also help women feel more confident in her decision. It is important to remember that certain medications can be absorbed through the placenta so if the patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that the effects of the drug could be transferred to the infant.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows, so do concerns about the effects that the medications could have on the fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of information on this topic. Researchers used two massive datasets to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancy and determine if stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers found that while the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD exposure to medication was associated with slightly higher risk of certain heart defects, like ventriculoseptal defect.

The researchers of the study found no connection between early use of medication and congenital abnormalities like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are consistent with previous studies that have shown a small but significant increase in the risk of heart malformations among women who started taking ADHD medications before the time of pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, as many women begin to discontinue their ADHD medication.

Women who were taking ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean delivery, have a low Apgar after delivery, and had a baby that required help breathing after birth. However the researchers of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias by limiting the study to women who didn't have other medical issues that could be a contributing factor to these findings.

Researchers hope that their research will help doctors when they encounter pregnant women. The researchers suggest that, while discussing the risks and benefits are crucial, the decision regarding whether or not to stop taking medication should be based on the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.

The authors also caution that, while stopping the medication is an option, it is not an option that is recommended due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental health problems among women who are pregnant or post-partum. 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 birth of their baby.

Nursing

It can be a challenge becoming a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD who must work through their symptoms while attending physician appointments as well as preparing for the arrival of a child and getting used to new routines at home may face a lot of challenges. As such, many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout pregnancy.

The majority of stimulant medicines are absorbed by breast milk in low quantities, so the risk to nursing infant is very low. However, the frequency of exposure to medications by the infant can differ based on the dosage, frequency it is administered, and the time of day the medication is administered. Additionally, individual 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 yet fully known.

Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must balance the benefit of continuing her medication against the possible dangers to the foetus. As long as there is no more information, 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 time.

A growing number of studies have proven that the majority of women are able to safely continue taking their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. In response, a rising number of patients are choosing to do this. They have concluded, in consultation with their doctor that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh any potential risks.

adhd without medication  is crucial for women suffering from ADHD who are considering breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant.  adhd without medication  should discuss their medication with their doctor, and the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize the signs and the underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and reinforce coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary approach together with obstetricians, GPs, and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, and monitoring for indicators of deterioration, and, if needed modifications to the medication regimen.