The Reason You Shouldn't Think About Making Improvements To Your ADHD Medication Pregnancy

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The decision to stop or continue ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding is challenging for women with the condition. There are few data regarding how exposure over time may affect the fetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication should evaluate the benefits of using it versus the risks to the foetus. Physicians don't have the data to give clear advice, but can provide information about risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed decisions.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who were taking ADHD medications during early pregnancy did not face a significantly higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers conducted a massive population-based study of case control to compare the incidence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists looked over the cases to ensure correct case classification and to limit the possibility of bias.

The study conducted by the researchers was not without its limitations. The most important issue was that they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder that is underlying.  adhd treatment without medication  makes it difficult to determine whether the small associations observed in the groups that were exposed result from medication use or confounding by comorbidities. In addition the researchers did not examine the long-term outcomes of offspring.

The study showed that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to those whose mothers did not use any medication during pregnancy or discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders, and the higher risk of admission did not appear to be influenced by which stimulant medications were taken during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having an emergency caesarean section or having one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases didn't appear to be affected by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the small risks associated with the use ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages may be offset by the greater benefits for mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, where possible, help them develop strategies to improve their coping abilities that may minimize the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and relationships.

Medication Interactions

More and more doctors are faced with the decision of whether to maintain treatment or stop during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are often made without clear and reliable evidence. Instead, physicians must weigh their own knowledge in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors and the research on the topic.

Particularly, the subject of potential risks for the baby can be tricky. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observations instead of controlled studies and the results are in conflict. Furthermore, most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which can underestimate severe teratogenic effects that lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these limitations by examining data on both live and deceased births.

The conclusion The conclusion: While some studies have shown a positive association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have found no connection and the majority of studies have a neutral or slightly negative impact. In each case, a careful analysis of the benefits and risks should be conducted.

It isn't easy, but not impossible, for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In an article 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 those suffering from the disorder. Furthermore, a loss of medication may affect the ability to do jobs and drive safely that are crucial aspects of a normal life for many people with ADHD.

She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to take the medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers and friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of continuing the current treatment. It can also help a woman feel more confident in her decision. It is important to note that certain drugs can pass through the placenta, so if the patient decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware of the possibility that traces of the drug could be transferred to the infant.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use and abuse of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases the concern over the potential effects of these drugs on fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this topic. Utilizing two huge data sets, researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers found that while the risk overall is low, first-trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect.

The authors of the study could not discover any link between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, such as facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies that showed the existence of a slight, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medication before the time of pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy when many women began to stop taking their medication.

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

Researchers hope their research will provide doctors with information when they meet pregnant women. They recommend that, while a discussion of risks and benefits is important, the decision to stop or maintain medication must be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.

The authors also advise that while discontinuing the medications is an option, it is not a recommended practice because of the high prevalence of depression and other mental health problems in women who are pregnant or recently post-partum. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medications will have a harder time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born.

Nursing

It can be overwhelming becoming a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending doctor appointments as well as making preparations for the arrival of their child and adjusting to new household routines are often faced with a number of difficulties. Many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk to a breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medication is absorbed through breast milk at a low level. The amount of exposure to medications can vary depending upon the dosage, frequency of administration and the time of the day. Additionally, different drugs enter the infant's system via the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn is not fully comprehended.

Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult decision for the woman who must weigh the advantages of continuing her medication against the risks to the embryo. As long as more information is available, doctors may inquire about pregnant patients if they have an history of ADHD or if they intend to take medication during the perinatal stage.

A increasing number of studies have shown that women can continue to take their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. As a result, many patients choose to do so and, in consultation with their physician, they have found that the benefits of maintaining their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.

It's important for women with ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's guidance prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies.  adhd medication for adults uk  should also be offered to help women with ADHD be aware of their symptoms and the underlying disorder and learn about treatments and to reinforce existing coping strategies. This should involve an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counselling should include the discussion of a plan for management for both the mother as well as the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and when necessary, making adjustments to the medication regimen.