7 Small Changes You Can Make That'll Make The Biggest Difference In Your ADHD Medication Pregnancy

7 Small Changes You Can Make That'll Make The Biggest Difference In Your ADHD Medication Pregnancy

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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women suffering from ADHD have to make a difficult choice about whether to continue or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these medications could affect the foetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus don't develop neurological developmental disorders like impaired vision or hearing seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality studies.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Pregnant women who take ADHD medications must weigh the benefits of taking them against potential risks to the fetus. The doctors don't have the information 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 concluded that women who took ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based case control study to assess the frequency of structural defects that were major 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 possibility of bias.

However, the researchers' study had its limitations. Most important, they were unable to separate the effects of the medication from the underlying disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the few associations observed between the exposed groups were due to the use of medication or if they were affected by the presence of comorbidities. In addition the study did not look at the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.

The study did show that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly more risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants whose mothers had not taken any medication or had 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 was not found to be influenced by which stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.

Women who took stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an increased chance of having a caesarean delivery or having a child with low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases didn't appear to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.

The researchers suggest that the low risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefit to both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this issue and as much as possible, assist them develop coping skills that could reduce the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships.

Interactions with Medication

Doctors are increasingly confronted with the dilemma of whether to continue treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are frequently made without clear and reliable evidence. Instead, doctors must consider their own expertise, the experience of other doctors and the research that has been conducted on the subject.

Particularly, the subject of potential risks for the infant can be difficult. Many studies on this issue are based on observational evidence rather than controlled research, and their findings are often contradictory. Most studies focus on live births, which can underestimate the teratogenic impact which can cause terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by examining data on both live and deceased births.

The conclusion is that while some studies have found an association between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, other studies have found no such relationship, and most studies have a neutral or slightly negative effect. In every case it is imperative to conduct a thorough evaluation of the risks and benefits should be conducted.

For many women with ADHD and ADD, the decision to stop medication is difficult, if not impossible. In a recent piece published in Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can increase depression and feelings of loneliness. In addition, a decrease in medication can interfere with the ability to perform work-related tasks and safely drive that are crucial aspects of a normal life for many people suffering from ADHD.

She suggests that women who are more info unsure about whether to keep or stop taking medication because of their pregnancy consider informing family members, friends and colleagues about the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and on the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan. In addition, educating them can aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported as she struggles with her decision. It is important to note that certain medications can pass through the placenta so if the patient decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that traces of the medication could be transferred to the child.

Birth Defects and Risk of

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 drugs could have on fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this issue. Using two massive data sets researchers were able examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the researchers did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was linked to a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).

The researchers of the study found no link between early use of medication and congenital abnormalities like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are in agreement with previous studies which showed the existence of a slight, but significant increase in cardiac malformations for women who began taking ADHD medication prior to the time of pregnancy. The risk increased in the latter stages of pregnancy when a large number of women began to stop taking their medication.

Women who took ADHD medications during the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to experience caesarean sections, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who needed breathing assistance during birth. The researchers of the study could not remove bias in selection since they limited their study to women without other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.

The researchers hope that their research will aid in the clinical decisions of doctors who encounter pregnant women. The researchers recommend that while discussing risks and benefits are important, the choice 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 also warn that while discontinuing the medications 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 recently postpartum. Furthermore, research suggests that women who choose to stop their medications are more likely to experience a difficult time adapting to life without them following the baby's arrival.

Nursing

It can be a stressful experience becoming a mother. Women with ADHD can face severe challenges when they have to manage their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to a new routine. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk to nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk at a low level. The amount of exposure to medications can vary depending upon the dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and the time of the day. In addition, various medications are introduced into the baby's system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The effect on the health of a newborn isn't completely known.

Due to the absence of research, some doctors might be tempted to stop taking stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy. It is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of continuing her medication against the risk to the fetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors can inquire about pregnant patients if they have any history of ADHD or if they are planning to take medication during the perinatal period.

A growing number of studies have revealed that most women can safely continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This has led to an increasing number of patients choose to do so, and in consultation with their physician, they have found that the benefits of continuing their current medication exceed any risk.

Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor as well as the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women with ADHD be aware of the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and reinforce strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary approach together with obstetricians, GPs and psychiatrists. The pregnancy counselling should consist of the discussion of a treatment plan for both the mother as well as the child, monitoring for signs of deterioration, and when necessary, making adjustments to the medication regimen.