15 Of The Top ADHD Medication Pregnancy Bloggers You Should Follow

15 Of The Top ADHD Medication Pregnancy Bloggers You Should Follow

Blog Article

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women suffering from 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 long-term exposure may affect a foetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during utero do not develop neurological developmental disorders like hearing loss or impaired vision seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality studies.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Pregnant women who take ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of taking them against potential risks to the foetus. The doctors don't have the information to provide clear recommendations but they can provide information on the 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 their early pregnancy did not face an increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based study of case control to assess the frequency of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts looked over the cases to ensure that the classification was correct and to minimize any bias.

However, the researchers' study had its limitations. In particular, they were unable to separate the effects of the medication from those of the disorder that is underlying. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small differences observed between the groups that were exposed to the use of medications or if they were affected by comorbidities. In addition the researchers did not examine the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.

The study found that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to mothers who did not take any medication during pregnancy, or had quit taking the 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 medication that was used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher chance of having to have caesarean sections or one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These risks did not appear to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the small risks associated with the use ADHD medications in early pregnancies may be offset by the greater benefits to both baby and mother of continued 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 which can reduce the negative impact of her condition on her daily functioning and relationships.

Interactions with Medication

Doctors are increasingly confronted with the dilemma of whether to continue treatment or stop it during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. Most of the time, these decisions are taken in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive either way, so physicians have to weigh their experience from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what the research suggests on the subject as well as their own judgments for each patient.

The issue of risk to the infant can be particularly tricky. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observations rather than controlled studies, and the results are in conflict. Most studies focus on live births, which can underestimate the teratogenic impact which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these issues, by examining both the data from deceased and live births.

Conclusion Some studies have revealed an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't found a correlation. The majority of studies show that there is a neutral, or slightly negative, impact. website As a result, a careful risk/benefit assessment is required in every instance.

For women suffering from ADHD and ADD, the decision to discontinue medication is difficult if not impossible. In a recent article published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can cause depression and feelings of being isolated. A loss of medication may also impact the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are vital aspects of everyday life for those with ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure whether to take the medication or stop due to pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers and friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on 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 patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the drug may be transferred to her infant.

Birth Defects Risk

As the use and misuse of ADHD medications to treat the symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing as does the concern about the potential adverse effects of the drugs on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this topic. Using two massive data sets, researchers were able to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the risk overall is low, the first trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher risk of specific heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect.

The authors of the study did not find any association between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies such as facial deformities or club feet. The results are consistent with previous studies revealing the presence of a small, but significant increase in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medications prior to the time of pregnancy. The risk was higher in the later part of pregnancy, when a lot of women are forced to stop taking their medication.

Women who took ADHD medications during the first trimester of their pregnancy were also more likely to undergo a caesarean section, a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby who needed help breathing at birth. The authors of the study were unable to remove bias in selection since they limited the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.

Researchers hope their research will inform physicians when they meet pregnant women. The researchers recommend that while discussing the risks and benefits are crucial, the decision about whether to continue or stop medication should be in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements.

The authors also advise that even though stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not a recommended practice because of the high prevalence of depression and other mental health issues for women who are expecting or recently postpartum. Additionally, the research suggests that women who decide to stop taking their medications are more likely to experience difficulties getting used to life without them after the birth of their baby.

Nursing

It can be overwhelming to become a mom. Women suffering from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to new routines. As such, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.

The risk to nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk at low levels. The rate of exposure to medication will vary based on the dosage, frequency of administration and the time of the day. In addition, various drugs enter the infant's system via the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The effect on a newborn's health is not completely comprehended.

Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of her medication against the risks to the foetus. Until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal period.

A growing number of studies have shown that women can continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In response, a rising number of patients are opting to continue their medication. They have found through consultation with their doctors, that the benefits of retaining their current medication outweigh any risk.

Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation should also be provided to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize their symptoms and the root cause Learn about the available treatments and to reinforce existing strategies for managing. This should involve an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Counselling for pregnancy should include the discussion of a treatment plan for both mother and child, monitoring for signs of deterioration and when necessary, making adjustments to the medication regimen.