10 Apps To Help You Manage Your ADHD Medication Pregnancy
10 Apps To Help You Manage Your ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or continue ADHD medication during pregnancy and nursing is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There aren't many studies on how long-term exposure may affect the fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in the uterus do not develop neurological disorders like hearing loss or impaired vision seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high quality studies are required.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication need to weigh the benefits of taking it against the potential dangers for the foetus. Doctors don't have the necessary data to make unequivocal recommendations however they can provide information on the risks and benefits to help pregnant women make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications during their early pregnancy did not have a significantly increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers conducted a large population-based case-control study to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants during the early stages of pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to make sure that the classification was correct and to minimize any bias.
The study of the researchers was not without its limitations. The most important issue was that they were not able to differentiate the effects of the medication from the disorder at hand. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the few associations observed between the groups that were exposed to the use of medication or if they were caused by the presence of comorbidities. Additionally the researchers did not examine long-term offspring outcomes.
The study found that babies whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to those whose mothers did not take any medication during pregnancy or quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was caused by central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having caesarean sections or a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These risks did not appear to be affected by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the minor risks posed by the use of ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages could be offset by the more beneficial outcomes for both mother and baby of continuing treatment for the woman’s disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this and as much as possible, assist them improve coping skills which can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily functioning and her relationships.
Medication Interactions
More and more doctors are faced with the decision of whether to keep treatment or stop it during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. Often, these decisions are made without any evidence that is clear and definitive in either case, which means that doctors must weigh what they know from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what research suggests on the subject as well as their own best judgment for each individual patient.
The issue of risk to infants is particularly tricky. The research on this subject is based on observation instead of controlled studies and the results are in conflict. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that could lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by looking at data from both live and deceased births.
The conclusion The conclusion: While some studies have shown an association between ADHD medications and website the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have not found any evidence of a link, and most studies show a neutral or even slightly negative effect. As a result an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be conducted in every case.
For many women with ADHD and ADD, the decision to discontinue medication can be difficult, if not impossible. In a recent article 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 isolation. A decrease in medication could also impact the ability to safely drive and complete work-related tasks, which are crucial aspects of daily life for those with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers, and friends about the condition, the effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of continuing the current treatment regimen. It can also help women feel confident about her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the medication could be transferred to the infant.
Birth Defects Risk
As the use and use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases the concern over the potential adverse effects of the drugs on fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge on this subject. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able analyze 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 exposure to medication was associated with slightly higher rates of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect.
The researchers of the study found no link between early medication use and congenital abnormalities like facial clefting, or club foot. The findings are in line with previous studies that have shown an increase, but not significant, in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications prior to the time of the time of pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter half of pregnancy when many women decided to stop taking their medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean birth or have a low Apgar after birth and have a baby that needed help breathing at birth. However, the authors of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to these findings.
The researchers hope that their research will help inform the clinical decisions of physicians who treat pregnant women. The researchers suggest that, while discussing benefits and risks are important, the decision regarding whether or not to stop medication should be made based on the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements.
The authors caution that, although stopping the medication is a possibility to think about, it isn't advised due to the high rate depression and mental health issues in women who are expecting or who have recently given birth. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medication will have a harder time adjusting to a life without them once the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women with ADHD can face severe challenges when they have to manage their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to a new routine. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medications are absorbed by breast milk in very small amounts, therefore the risk to the nursing infant is very low. However, the amount of medication exposure to the infant can differ based on dosage, frequency it is administered, and the time of the day it is administered. Additionally, individual medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk. The impact of this on a newborn isn't fully understood.
Due to the absence of research, some physicians may be inclined to discontinue stimulant drugs during the pregnancy of a woman. It is a difficult decision for the woman who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the embryo. Until more information becomes available, GPs can ask pregnant patients whether they have any history of ADHD or if they plan to take medication in the perinatal stage.
A increasing number of studies have revealed that most women can safely continue their ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In response, an increasing number of patients are opting to do so. They have discovered through consultation with their doctor that the benefits of continuing their current medication far outweigh any risk.
Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their doctor and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize the signs and the underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and reinforce strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP, obstetricians and psychiatry. Pregnancy counselling should include discussion of a management plan for both the mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and the need for adjustments to the medication regimen.