20 Myths About ADHD Medication Pregnancy: Dispelled

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and nursing is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. There is a lack of information about how long-term exposure to these drugs may affect the fetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in the uterus don't develop neurological conditions like hearing or vision impairment seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality research.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication need to evaluate the benefits of using it versus the risks to the baby. The doctors don't have the information to give clear advice however they can provide information about risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making an informed decision.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications during early pregnancy did not face a significantly increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based case control study to assess the frequency of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists reviewed the cases to ensure correct case classification and to limit the chance of bias.

However, the study had its limitations. The researchers were unable, in the first place to distinguish the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small associations observed among the exposed groups were due to medication use or confounded by comorbidities. The researchers also did not look at long-term outcomes for offspring.

The study did find that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly more risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who whose mothers did not take any medication or taken off their medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication that was used during pregnancy.

Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an elevated risk of having a caesarean section or having a baby with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These risks did not seem to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the small risks associated with the use ADHD medications during early pregnancies could be offset by the more beneficial outcomes for both mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this issue and as much as possible, assist them improve coping skills which can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships.

Medication Interactions

More and more doctors are confronted with the dilemma of whether to keep treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. Often, these decisions are taken in the absence of solid and reliable evidence either way, so physicians must weigh what they know from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what the research suggests on the subject and their own best medication for adhd judgment for each individual patient.

The issue of risk for infants can a general practitioner prescribe adhd medication be difficult to determine. A lot of studies on this topic are based on observations instead of controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that could cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing data on live and deceased births.

Conclusion: While some studies have revealed a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't established a link. Most studies show an unintended, or slight negative impact. In each case an in-depth evaluation of the risks and benefits must be performed.

For many women with strongest Adhd medication, the decision to stop taking medication is difficult, if not impossible. In an article recently published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can cause depression, feelings of loneliness and family conflict for those suffering from the disorder. The loss of medication can affect the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are vital aspects of daily life for those suffering from ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure about whether to keep or stop medication in light of their pregnancy should consider educating family members, friends, and coworkers on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. It can also help the woman feel supported as she struggles with her decision. Certain medications can be passed through the placenta. If the patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the drug could be transferred to the baby.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use and abuse of ADHD medications to treat the symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing as does the concern about the possible effects of the drugs on foetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge on this subject. Researchers used two massive data sets to examine over 4.3 million pregnant women and determine whether stimulant medications caused birth defects. Researchers found that while the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher rates of certain heart defects, like ventriculoseptal defect.

The researchers of the study didn't find any association between early medication usage and congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are consistent with previous studies showing a small but significant increase in the risk of heart malformations among women who started taking ADHD medications prior to pregnancy. The risk increased in the latter stages of pregnancy when many women decided to stop taking their medication.

Women who were taking ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely need a caesarean or have a low Apgar after birth and have a baby who needed breathing assistance when they were born. The authors of the study could not eliminate bias due to selection because they limited the study to women without other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.

Researchers hope their research will provide doctors with information when they see pregnant women. They advise that while the discussion of the benefits and risks is important however, the decision to stop or maintain treatment should be based on the woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.

The authors also warn that even though stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not a recommended practice because of the high incidence of depression and other mental health issues for women who are expecting or who are recently post-partum. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medications will have a tough adjustment to life without them once the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities of being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women suffering from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must manage their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to a new routine. Therefore, many women choose to continue taking their common adhd medications uk medications throughout the course of pregnancy.

The risk for nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medications is absorbed through breast milk in low amounts. However, the amount of medication exposure to the newborn can vary depending on the dosage, frequency it is administered and the time of the day the medication is administered. Additionally, different adhd medications medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact of these medications on the health of a newborn is not fully understood.

Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. It is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of taking her medication as well as the potential risks to the fetus. Until more information becomes available, doctors can ask pregnant patients whether they have an background of ADHD or if they intend to take medication during the perinatal stage.

A growing number of studies have shown that most women can safely continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while 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 continuing their current medication outweigh any potential risks.

It's important for women with ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber and discuss the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize their symptoms and the root cause Learn about the available treatment options and 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 discussion of a management plan for both the mother as well as the child, monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.