ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women with ADHD face a difficult decision about whether to continue or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There aren't enough data on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect the pregnant fetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to mild adhd medication medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems like hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality research.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Pregnant women who take ADHD medications need to balance the advantages of taking them against the potential risks to the fetus. Doctors don't have the data needed to make unequivocal recommendations however they can provide information on risks and benefits that help pregnant women make informed decisions.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication in early pregnancy were not at a greater risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large, population-based case-control study to assess the risk of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who had taken stimulants during the early stages of pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts looked over the cases to confirm that the classification was accurate and to eliminate any bias.

The research conducted by the researchers had some limitations. Researchers were unable, in the first place to differentiate the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small associations observed among the groups that were exposed to the use of medication, or if they were confounded by comorbidities. Additionally the study did not study the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.

The study revealed that infants whose mother had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to mothers who 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. The higher risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medications used during pregnancy.

Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an elevated chance of having a caesarean section or having a child with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did not appear to be affected by the kind of best medication for ocd and adhd used during pregnancy.

The researchers suggest that the small risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy could be offset by the greater benefits to both mother and child from continued treatment lberta.com/WebForms/RepPasswordHelperByEmail.aspx?dbid2=MIFRANK&LoginType=&ReturnUrl=https%3a%2f%2fcameradb.review%2Fwiki%2FSee_What_Medication_For_Inattentive_ADHD_Tricks_The_Celebs_Are_Using">Go to Sign-in in an article 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 Medication pregnancy. The loss of medication can also impact the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are essential aspects of daily life for people with ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure whether to take the medication or stop due to pregnancy, educate their family members, coworkers and friends about the condition, its impact on daily functioning and the benefits of keeping the current treatment plan. It can also help women feel supported in her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides to not take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the drug may be transferred to her infant.

Birth Defects Risk

As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns about what impact the drugs could have on the fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing information on this topic. Researchers utilized two massive datasets to analyze over 4.3 million pregnant women and determine if stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers found that while the overall risk is low, first-trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher risk of specific heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect.

The researchers behind the study found no connection between early medication use and [Redirect Only] other congenital anomalies, such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in line with previous studies revealing the presence of a small, but significant increase in the risk of developing cardiac malformations in women who started taking ADHD medications before pregnancy. The risk was higher in the latter half of pregnancy, when a lot of women begin to discontinue their ADHD medications.

Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to need a caesarean, have a low Apgar after birth and had a baby that required breathing assistance at 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 have contributed to these findings.

The researchers hope their research will aid in the clinical decisions of doctors who treat pregnant women. They suggest that although a discussion of risks and benefits is important but the decision to stop or keep treatment must be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.

The authors also caution that even though stopping the medication is an option, it isn't an option that is recommended due to the high incidence of depression and other mental health issues in women who are pregnant or recently postpartum. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities of being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women with ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending doctor appointments and preparing for the arrival of a baby and adjusting to new household routines are often faced with a number of difficulties. As such, many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.

The majority of stimulant medicines are absorbed by breast milk in small quantities, so the risk to the breastfeeding infant is minimal. The rate of exposure to medication will vary based on the dosage, frequency of administration and the time of the day. In addition, 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 completely understood.

Because of the lack of research, some physicians may recommend stopping stimulant medication during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a difficult decision for the patient, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the possible risks to the embryo. Until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal time.

A increasing number of studies have proven that most women can safely continue to take their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. This has led to more and more patients are choosing to do so and after consulting with their doctor, they have discovered that the benefits of continuing their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.

It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's guidance prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and reinforce the coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary effort including 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 signs of deterioration, and, if needed, adjustments to the medication regime.