10 Apps To Help You Manage Your ADHD Medication Pregnancy
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. There aren't enough data regarding how exposure over time may affect the fetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in utero do not develop neurological disorders such as impaired vision or hearing seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high-quality research is needed.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who take ADHD medications need to balance the advantages of taking them against the potential risks to the foetus. Doctors don't have the necessary data to give clear guidelines, but they can provide information on risks and benefits that help pregnant women make informed decisions.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications during their early pregnancy did not have an increased risk of fetal heart malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers conducted a large population-based study of case-control to assess the risk of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who had taken stimulants in the early stages of pregnancy, and those who did not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts examined the cases to ensure that the classification was accurate and to reduce any bias.
However, the researchers' study had its limitations. In particular, they were unable to separate the effects of the non medication treatment for adhd from those of the disorder that is underlying. That limitation makes it difficult to know whether the small associations observed in the groups that were exposed result from medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. In addition the study did not study the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.
The study did reveal that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who whose mothers did not take any medication or had cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.
Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an increased chance of having a caesarean birth or having a child with a low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases appeared to be unrelated to the type of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the minor risks posed by the use of ADHD medications in early pregnancies could 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 effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
Many doctors are confronted with the dilemma of whether to keep treatment or stop it during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. Most of the time, these decisions are made in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive regardless, so doctors must weigh what they know, the experiences of other doctors, and what the research suggests on the subject as well as their own best adhd medication for adults with anxiety judgment for each patient.
The issue of potential risks to the infant can be extremely difficult. The research on this issue is based on observation rather than controlled studies, and a lot of the results are contradictory. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which could underestimate severe teratogenic effects that cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by looking at data from both live and deceased births.
Conclusion Some studies have shown a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not found a correlation. The majority of studies show an unintended, or somewhat negative, effect. In each case it is imperative to conduct a thorough analysis of the benefits and risks must be performed.
For many women with ADHD, 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 Medication Uk Buy medications during pregnancy can lead to depression and feelings of being isolated. Furthermore, a loss of medication may affect the ability to complete jobs and drive safely that are crucial aspects of daily life for a lot of people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure about whether or not to stop medication in light of their pregnancy, consider educating family members, friends and colleagues about the condition, its impact on daily life, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It can also help a woman feel more confident in her decision. It is important to note that some medications can pass through the placenta, so if a woman decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that the effects of the medication could be passed on to the baby.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use and abuse of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing, so does concern about the potential adverse effects of the drugs on foetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this topic. Researchers used two huge data sets to examine over 4.3 million pregnant women and determine if the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medications was linked to an increase in the risk of specific heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).
The researchers of the study didn't discover any connection between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities, or club feet. The results are in the same vein as previous studies which showed the existence of a slight, but significant increase in cardiac malformations for women who started taking ADHD medication prior to the time of the birth of their child. The risk grew in the later part of pregnancy, when a lot of women are forced to stop taking their medication.
Women who used ADHD medications during the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to have caesarean sections, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who required help breathing at birth. However the researchers of the study were not able 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 the findings.
Researchers hope that their study will provide doctors with information when they meet pregnant women. The researchers recommend that while discussing the risks and benefits are important, the choice about whether to continue or stop medication should be in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.
The authors also warn that, while stopping the medication is an option, 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 post-partum. Additionally, the research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medication are more likely to have a difficult time getting used to life without them following the birth of their baby.
Nursing
The responsibilities of a new mother can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD can face severe challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to a new routine. Many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The risk for breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk in low amounts. However, the rate of medication exposure to the newborn may differ based on dosage, how to get adhd medication uk often it is administered, and at what time the medication is administered. Additionally, individual medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk, and the effect of this on a newborn infant is not well understood.
Because of the lack of research, some doctors may be inclined to discontinue stimulant medication during the course of pregnancy. It's a difficult choice for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the risks to the embryo. As long as more information is available, GPs may inquire about pregnant patients whether they have any history of ADHD or if they intend to take medication during the perinatal stage.
Numerous studies have proven that women can continue to take their ADHD medication without risk during pregnancy and breast-feeding. In response, a rising number of patients are opting to do so. They have discovered, in consultation dealing with adhd without medication their doctors that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh risk.
It's important for women with ADHD who are considering breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's guidance prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician and discuss the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non medication treatment for adhd adults-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women with ADHD recognize the signs and the underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and build coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary process including obstetricians, GPs and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regime.
