7 Small Changes That Will Make The Difference With Your ADHD Medication Pregnancy
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is challenging for women with the condition. There are few data regarding how exposure over the counter adhd medication time may affect the pregnant fetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus do not develop neurological developmental disorders such as hearing or vision impairment seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that further high-quality studies are required.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication should weigh the benefits of taking it against the potential risks for the foetus. Physicians don't have the data to make unambiguous recommendations however they can provide information about 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 a higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. The researchers used a large population-based case-control study to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants in the early stages of pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists looked over the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to limit the chance of bias.
The study conducted by the researchers was not without limitations. Researchers were unable, in the first place to distinguish the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small differences observed between the groups that were exposed to medication use, or if they were affected by comorbidities. The researchers also did not look at long-term outcomes for offspring.
The study revealed that infants whose mother had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to those whose mothers did not use any medication during pregnancy, or had discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system-related disorders, and the increased risk for admission was not found to be affected by the type of stimulant medications were taken during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant adhd medication prescription uk medication during pregnancy were also at an increased risk of having a caesarean section or having a baby born with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These risks did not seem to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.
The research suggests that the small risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy could be offset by the greater benefit to both the mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, if possible, assist them in developing strategies for improving their coping skills which can reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the dilemma of whether or not to end treatment during pregnancy is a question that doctors are having to face. Often, these decisions are made without any evidence that is clear and definitive regardless, so doctors must weigh what they know about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what the research suggests about the subject and their own judgments for each individual patient.
Particularly, the subject of potential risks for the baby can be tricky. The research on this subject is based on observation rather than controlled studies and many of the findings are contradictory. Most studies focus on live-births, which could underestimate the teratogenic impact which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing data on live and deceased births.
The conclusion The conclusion: While some studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, others have found no such relationship and the majority of studies demonstrate a neutral or slightly negative effect. In the end an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be done in each situation.
It can be challenging, if not impossible, for women with 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 increase depression and feelings of loneliness. In addition, a decrease in medication may affect the ability to complete job-related tasks and drive safely, which are important aspects of a normal life for a lot of people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy educate family members, coworkers and friends about the condition, the effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It can also help a woman feel supported in her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If the patient decides not to take her adhd medication how does it work (https://sovren.media/u/shrinedimple58) medication while breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the medication could be transferred to the baby.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use of adhd medication and pregnancy medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases, so do concerns over the impact that these drugs might have on fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this topic. Researchers used two massive data sets to study more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine if stimulant medication use increased birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the risk overall is low, first-trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect.
The authors of the study could not find any association between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies like facial deformities, or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies which showed an insignificant, but small increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medication before the birth of their child. This risk increased in the latter half of pregnancy, when a lot of women begin to discontinue their medication.
Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean birth or have an insufficient Apgar after delivery and had a baby that required breathing assistance when they were born. However, the authors of the study were unable to eliminate bias due to selection by restricting the study to women who did not have any other medical issues that could have contributed to these findings.
The researchers hope that their research will serve to inform the clinical decisions of physicians who see pregnant women. They advise that while discussing the benefits and risks is important however, the decision to stop or continue medication must be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors warn that, even though stopping the medication is an option to think about, it isn't advised because of the high incidence of depression and other mental problems among women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. Furthermore, research suggests that women who decide to stop their medications are more likely to experience difficulties adjusting to life without them after the baby's arrival.
Nursing
The responsibilities of being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to manage their symptoms while attending physician appointments as well as getting ready for the arrival of their child and adjusting to new household routines are often faced with a number of difficulties. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The risk for nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medications passes through breast milk at low levels. The rate of exposure to medication will differ based on dosage, frequency of administration and the time of day. Additionally, individual medications enter the infant's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn is not fully understood.
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 weigh the benefit of continuing her medication against the possible dangers to the embryo. As long as more information is available, GPs can inquire about pregnant patients whether they have a background of ADHD or if they plan to take medication in the perinatal phase.
A growing number of studies have shown that the majority of women are able to safely continue taking their ADHD uk medication for adhd during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In response, a growing number of patients are opting to continue their best medication for anxiety depression and adhd. They have discovered through consultation with their physicians, that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh possible risks.
Women who suffer from ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek the advice of an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber as well as the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women with ADHD recognize the signs and the underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and strengthen coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary effort including obstetricians, GPs and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, as well as monitoring for indicators of deterioration, and, if necessary adjustments to the medication regime.