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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding<br><br>The decision to stop or continue [https://www.northwestu.edu/?URL=https://canvas.instructure.com/eportfolios/3330037/home/20-myths-about-inattentive-adhd-medication-busted best adhd medication for adults uk] medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. There are few data regarding [https://ai-db.science/wiki/5_Killer_Quora_Answers_On_ADHD_Uk_Medication how adhd medication works] exposure over time may affect a foetus.<br><br>A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems like hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that further high-quality research is needed.<br><br>Risk/Benefit Analysis<br><br>Pregnant women who take ADHD medications must weigh the benefits of taking them against the potential risks to the foetus. Physicians don't have the data to make unambiguous recommendations however they can provide information on risks and benefits to help pregnant women make informed decisions.<br><br>A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who were taking ADHD medications during early pregnancy did not have an higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers used a large sample-based case control study to assess the frequency of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts looked over the cases to confirm that the classification was accurate and to eliminate any bias.<br><br>The research conducted by the researchers was not without limitations. Researchers were unable to, in the first place to differentiate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the small differences observed between the groups exposed were due to medication use or caused by co-morbidities. In addition the researchers did not examine the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.<br><br>The study did find that babies whose mothers had taken ADHD medications during pregnancy were at slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those who were born without any medication or cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was caused by central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.<br><br>Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having an emergency caesarean section or having a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did not appear to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.<br><br>The research suggests that the risk of a small amount with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy could be offset by the higher benefit to both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this issue and, if possible, help them develop coping skills that may reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.<br><br>Medication Interactions<br><br>More and more doctors are faced with the decision of whether to continue treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are often made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must consider their own expertise, the experience of other doctors, and the research that has been conducted on the subject.<br><br>Particularly, the subject of potential risks for the baby can be tricky. The research on this subject is based on observations instead of controlled studies and the results are contradictory. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which may undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing data on live and deceased births.<br><br>Conclusion Some studies have shown a positive correlation between [https://wikimapia.org/external_link?url=https://blogfreely.net/peakpike08/the-one-adhd-medication-names-trick-every-person-should-learn Adhd Medication Adderall Uk] medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not established a link. The majority of studies show that there is a neutral, or somewhat negative, effect. In each case an in-depth study of the risks and benefits should be conducted.<br><br>For many women with ADHD, the decision to stop medication is difficult, if not impossible. In a recent piece published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can lead to depression and feelings of being isolated. In addition, a decrease in medication can interfere with the ability to perform work-related tasks and safely drive, which are important aspects of a normal life for a lot of people with ADHD.<br><br>She recommends that women who are unsure about whether to keep or stop medication in light of their pregnancy consider informing family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and on the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan. It will also help a woman feel confident about her decision. It is important to note that some drugs can pass through the placenta so if a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that the effects of the medication could be passed on to the baby.<br><br>Birth Defects and Risk of<br><br>As the use and abuse of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases, so does concern about the potential adverse effects of the drugs on the fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge on this subject. Utilizing two huge data sets, researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that although the risk overall is low, the first trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects like ventriculoseptal defects.<br><br>The researchers of the study found no link between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are consistent with previous studies that have shown the presence of a small, but significant increase in the risk of developing cardiac malformations in women who started taking ADHD medications prior to the time of pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women decide to stop taking their ADHD medications.<br><br>Women who used [http://hl0803.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=599709 adhd focus medication] medications during the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to undergo caesarean section, low Apgar score after delivery and a baby who needed breathing assistance during birth. The researchers of the study were unable to eliminate bias due to selection because they restricted the study to women with no other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.<br><br>Researchers hope their research will inform physicians when they see pregnant women. They advise that while discussing risks and benefits is important, the decision to stop or keep treatment should be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.<br><br>The authors also warn that, while stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not a recommended practice because of the high rate of depression and other mental health issues in women who are pregnant or who are recently postpartum. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medications will have a harder transitioning to life without them after the baby is born.<br><br>Nursing<br><br>It can be a stressful experience to become a mom. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending doctor appointments and making preparations for the arrival of their child and adapting to new routines in the home can experience severe challenges. This is why many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.<br><br>The risk for breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk at a low level. The rate of exposure to medication will vary based on the dosage, frequency of administration and time of day. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system via the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The impact on a newborn's health is not completely known.<br><br>Due to the absence of research, some doctors might be tempted to stop taking stimulant medications during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must weigh the benefit of continuing her medication against the possible risks to the embryo. Until more information becomes available, GPs can inquire about pregnant patients if they have an background of ADHD or if they are planning to take medication during the perinatal period.<br><br>Many studies have shown that women can continue taking their ADHD medication without risk during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. As a result, an increasing number of patients choose to do so, and after consulting with their doctor, they have discovered that the benefits of maintaining their current medication exceed any risk.<br><br>Women who suffer from ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help women with ADHD understand their symptoms and the underlying disorder, learn about available treatment options and strengthen existing coping strategies. This should be a multidisciplinary process with the GPs, obstetricians, and psychiatrists. Counselling for pregnancy should include discussion of a management plan for both mother and child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and the need for adjustments to the medication regimen.