15 Best ADHD Medication Pregnancy Bloggers You Need To Follow
15 Best ADHD Medication Pregnancy Bloggers You Need To Follow
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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women with ADHD face a difficult decision regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There aren't enough data on how long-term exposure may affect the foetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus do not develop neurological developmental disorders like hearing loss or impaired vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high-quality research is needed.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who use ADHD medications need to balance the advantages of taking them against potential risks to the fetus. The doctors don't have the information to give clear advice but they can provide information on the risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed decisions.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications in early pregnancy did not have an increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers used a large population-based case control study to examine the prevalence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists examined the cases to ensure an accurate case classification and to limit the chance of 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 underlying disorder. This makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the small differences observed between the groups that were exposed to the use of medication or confounded by the presence of comorbidities. Additionally the researchers did not study long-term offspring outcomes.
The study did show that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who were born without 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 influenced by the stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased chance of having a caesarean delivery or having a baby 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 posed by the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancies may be offset by the more beneficial outcomes for both mother and baby of continuing treatment for the woman’s disorder. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, if possible, assist them in developing strategies to improve coping skills which can reduce the impact of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Interactions with Medication
Many doctors are confronted with the dilemma of whether to continue treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. The majority of these decisions are made in the absence of solid and reliable evidence either way, so physicians must weigh their knowledge from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what the research suggests about the subject and their own judgments for each patient.
In particular, the issue of possible risks to the infant can be difficult. The research on this issue is based on observations rather than controlled studies, and a lot of the results are conflicting. Most studies restrict their analysis to live-births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by examining data on both live and deceased births.
Conclusion A few studies have revealed a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects However, other studies haven't found a correlation. Most studies have shown that there is a neutral, or somewhat negative, effect. In all cases it is imperative to conduct a thorough analysis of the benefits and risks is required.
It isn't easy, but not impossible for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In fact, 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 patients with ADHD. A loss of medication may affect the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are essential aspects of daily life for those with ADHD.
She recommends women who are uncertain about whether or not to stop taking medication because of their pregnancy should consider informing family members, friends and colleagues about the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It will also help a woman feel more confident in her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the medication may be transferred to her baby.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows, so do concerns over the impact that these drugs might have on foetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge about this subject. Researchers utilized two massive data sets to examine more than 4.3 million pregnant women and determine if stimulant medication use caused birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the scientists did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was associated with a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).
The researchers of the study didn't find any association between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies like facial deformities, or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies that have shown a small but significant increase in the risk of developing cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications before the time of pregnancy. The risk increased in the latter part of pregnancy when many women decided to stop taking their medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean delivery, have a low Apgar after birth and have a baby that needed help breathing when they were born. The researchers of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection because they limited the study to women without other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope their study will serve to inform the clinical decisions of doctors who encounter pregnant women. The researchers suggest that, while discussing risks and benefits are crucial, the decision on whether to continue or stop medication should be made in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.
The authors caution that, although stopping the medication is an option to look into, it is not recommended due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental disorders for women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. Further, the research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medications are more likely to have a difficult time adjusting to life without them after the baby's arrival.
Nursing
It can be a challenge to become a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to manage their symptoms while attending physician appointments, preparing for the arrival of a baby and adjusting to new household routines can experience severe challenges. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant drugs are absorbed by breast milk in low quantities, so the risk for breastfeeding infant is minimal. The rate of exposure to medication will differ based on dosage and frequency of administration as well as the time of the day. Additionally, different medications enter the body of the baby differently through the gastrointestinal tract read more as well as breast milk, and the effect of this on a newborn infant is not well known.
Due to the absence of research, some doctors may recommend stopping stimulant medication during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of her medication against the potential risks to the fetus. As long as more information is available, GPs can ask pregnant patients whether they have any history of ADHD or if they plan to take medication in the perinatal period.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue to take their ADHD medication safely while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. In response, a rising number of patients are opting to do so. They have discovered after consulting with their doctors, that the benefits of continuing their current medication far outweigh any possible risks.
It is essential for women with ADHD who are considering breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's guidance 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 methods. Psychoeducation is also required to help women with ADHD understand their symptoms and underlying disorder and learn about treatment options and strengthen existing strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary approach together with obstetricians, GPs and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, monitoring of signs of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regime.