10 Things You Learned In Preschool That'll Help You With ADHD Medication Pregnancy
10 Things You Learned In Preschool That'll Help You With ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is challenging for women with the condition. There aren't enough data on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect a pregnant fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus don't develop neurological conditions like hearing or vision impairment seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who use ADHD medications need to balance the advantages of taking them against potential risks to the fetus. The doctors don't have the information to make unambiguous recommendations but they can provide information on risks and benefits to help pregnant women make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during early pregnancy were not at higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers used a large sample-based case control study to compare the incidence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists examined the cases to ensure correct classification of the cases and to reduce the chance of bias.
However, the study had its limitations. The researchers were unable in the beginning to distinguish the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small associations observed among the groups that were exposed to medication use, or if they were confounded by the presence of comorbidities. The researchers did not look at long-term outcomes for the offspring.
The study did reveal that infants whose mothers took ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those who whose mothers did not take any medication or cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system-related disorders, and the increased risk of admission was not found to be influenced by which stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having a caesarean section or one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These risks did not seem to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the minor risks associated with the use ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages may be offset by the greater benefits for baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this and try to help them improve coping skills which can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever are diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the dilemma of whether to continue or discontinue treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more doctors have to face. Often, these decisions are taken in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive either way, so physicians must weigh what they know from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what research suggests about the subject as well as their own best judgment for each individual patient.
The issue of risk to the infant can be extremely difficult. Many of the studies on this topic are based on observational evidence rather than controlled research, and their findings are often contradictory. The majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the teratogenic impact that can lead to abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study presented in the journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing both information on deceased and live births.
The conclusion The conclusion: While some studies have shown a positive association between ADHD medications and 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. In the end, a careful risk/benefit assessment must be done in each situation.
It can be challenging, if not impossible, for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. 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. A decrease in medication could also impact the ability to drive safely and perform work-related tasks, which are vital aspects of everyday life for people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to take the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy should educate family members, colleagues, and friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It can also help women feel more confident in her decision. It is also worth noting that some medications are able to be absorbed through the placenta so if a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that the effects of the drug can be transferred to the child.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use and use of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increases, so does concern about the possible effects of the drugs on the fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge on this subject. Using two massive data sets, researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether stimulant medication use 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 certain heart defects, such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).
The authors of the study found no connection between early use of medication and other congenital abnormalities, such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in line with previous studies that have shown a small, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medication prior to the time of the birth of their child. The risk grew in the latter half of pregnancy, when many women begin to discontinue their medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean delivery or have a low Apgar after delivery, and had a baby that required help breathing when they were born. However the authors of the study were unable 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 check here these findings.
Researchers hope that their study will help doctors when they encounter pregnant women. The researchers recommend that, while discussing benefits and risks are important, the decision on whether to continue or stop medication should be made in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman.
The authors also warn that while discontinuing the medications is an option, it isn't a recommended practice because of the high prevalence of depression and other mental health problems in women who are pregnant or who are recently postpartum. Furthermore, research suggests that women who decide to stop taking their medications are more likely to experience difficulties adjusting to life without them following the baby's arrival.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD who must work through their symptoms while attending doctor appointments as well as preparing for the arrival of a baby and adjusting to new household routines can experience severe challenges. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medicines are absorbed by breast milk in small amounts, therefore the risk for infant who is breastfeeding is low. The rate of medication exposure can vary depending upon the dosage and frequency of administration as well as the time of the day. In addition, various drugs enter the infant's system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The impact on a newborn's health is not completely comprehended.
Due to the absence of evidence, some doctors might be tempted to stop taking stimulant drugs during a woman's pregnancy. This is a difficult decision for the patient, who must weigh the benefits of keeping her medication with the potential risks to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal time.
A growing number of studies have proven that most women can safely continue their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In response, a rising number of patients are choosing to do so. They have discovered, in consultation with their physicians that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh possible risks.
Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek advice from an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor, and the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women with ADHD understand the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and reinforce strategies for coping. This should include an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. The pregnancy counselling should consist of the discussion of a plan for management for both the mother as well as the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and when necessary, making adjustments to the medication regimen.