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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding<br><br>The decision to stop or keep ADHD medication during breastfeeding and pregnancy is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these medications can affect the foetus.<br><br>A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological disorders like hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.<br><br>Risk/Benefit Analysis<br><br>Pregnant women who use [https://pattern-wiki.win/wiki/Riisedeleon1455 adhd otc medication] medications must weigh the benefits of taking them against the potential risks to the foetus. Doctors don't have the necessary data to make unequivocal recommendations, but they can provide information on benefits and risks that can aid pregnant women in making informed choices.<br><br>A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who took ADHD medications during their early pregnancy did not face an increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. The researchers used a large population-based case-control study to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants during early pregnancy, and those who did not. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists looked over the cases to ensure correct case classification and to limit the chance of bias.<br><br>The study conducted by the researchers was not without limitations. The [https://maps.google.com.tr/url?q=https://posteezy.com/15-reasons-you-must-love-adhd-medication-uk-0 most popular adhd medication] important issue was that they were not able to differentiate the effects of the medication from the effects of the underlying disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the few associations observed between the groups exposed were due to the use of medications or if they were affected by the presence of comorbidities. In addition the researchers did not look at the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.<br><br>The study showed that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to those whose mothers did not use any medication during pregnancy, or had stopped taking their medication before or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.<br><br>Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an increased risk of having a caesarean section or having a baby born with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did not appear to be influenced by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.<br><br>Researchers suggest that the small risk of using ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages could be offset by the more beneficial outcomes for both baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman’s disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this issue and, if possible, help them improve coping skills which can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships.<br><br>Medication Interactions<br><br>As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the dilemma of whether to continue or end treatment during pregnancy is one that more and more physicians confront. 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 infant can be difficult. Many studies on this topic are based on observations rather than controlled research, and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies limit their analysis to live-births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects leading to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by looking at data from both live and deceased births.<br><br>Conclusion A few studies have shown a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not established a link. The majority of studies show a neutral, or even slight negative impact. In all cases, a careful analysis of the benefits and risks should be conducted.<br><br>For a lot of women with ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to stop medication can be difficult, if not impossible. In fact, in an article published in Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can lead to increased depression, feelings of loneliness, and family conflict for those suffering from the disorder. A loss of medication may affect the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are vital aspects of everyday life for those with ADHD.<br><br>She suggests that women who are not sure whether to continue taking the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers and friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. Educating them can also make the woman feel more comfortable when she is struggling with her decision. It is important to note that some drugs can pass through the placenta, so if the patient decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware of the possibility that traces of the drug can be passed on to the baby.<br><br>Birth Defects and Risk of<br><br>As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns about what impact the medications could have on fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge on this subject. Using two massive data sets, researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the scientists found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medications was linked to a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects, such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).<br><br>The researchers of the study found no link between early medication use and other congenital anomalies, such as facial clefting or club foot. The findings are in line with previous studies revealing a small but significant increase in the risk of heart malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications prior to the time of the birth of their child. This risk increased during the latter half of pregnancy when many women began to stop taking their medication.<br><br>Women who used ADHD medications during the first trimester of their pregnancy were also more likely to experience a caesarean section, a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby that required breathing assistance at birth. However the authors of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection by limiting the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.<br><br>The researchers hope their study will help inform the clinical decisions of physicians who encounter pregnant women. They suggest that although discussing the risks and benefits is crucial however, the decision to stop or maintain medication should be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.<br><br>The authors warn that, even though stopping the medication is an option to think about, it isn't advised due to the high rate depression and other mental problems among women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Furthermore, research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medications are more likely to have difficulties adapting to life without them following the baby's arrival.<br><br>Nursing<br><br>It can be a stressful experience to become a mother. Women with ADHD who must work through their symptoms while attending doctor appointments, preparing for the arrival of a baby and adjusting to new household routines are often faced with a number of difficulties. This is why many women decide to continue taking their [https://www.google.com.pe/url?q=https://telegra.ph/Why-Youll-Need-To-Read-More-About-Medication-For-ADHD-And-Anxiety-11-08 intuniv adhd medication] medication throughout the pregnancy.<br><br>The risk to nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk at low levels. However, the rate of exposure to medications by the infant can differ based on dosage, how often it is taken and the time of the day the medication is administered. In addition, individual medications enter the body of the baby differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn infant is not yet fully known.<br><br>Because of the lack of research, some physicians may be inclined to discontinue stimulant medication during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must weigh the benefits of keeping her medication against the potential risks to the foetus. As long as there is no more information, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their history of [http://ezproxy.cityu.edu.hk/login?url=https://articlescad.com/10-things-people-hate-about-non-stimulant-adhd-medication-9613.html adhd stimulant medication] and if they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal period.<br><br>A increasing number of studies have proven that women can continue to take their ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In response, a growing number of patients are choosing to do so. They have concluded, in consultation with their doctor that the benefits of keeping their current medication far outweigh any risk.<br><br>It is essential for women with ADHD who are considering breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor as well as the pros and cons for continuing treatment. 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