What The Heck Is ADHD Medication Pregnancy
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or continue ADHD medications during breastfeeding and pregnancy is challenging for women with the condition. Little data exists 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 developmental disorders such as impaired vision or hearing seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality studies.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who use ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of taking them against potential risks to the fetus. The doctors don't have the information to give clear advice but they can provide information on risks and benefits to help pregnant women make an informed decision.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at a greater risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. The researchers used a large population-based case-control study to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who took stimulants during the early stages of pregnancy and those who had not. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts examined the cases to make sure that the classification was correct and to eliminate any bias.
However, the study had its limitations. Most important, they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from those of the disorder that is underlying. This makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the few associations observed between the groups that were exposed to the use of medications or if they were confounded by the presence of comorbidities. In addition the researchers did not study long-term offspring outcomes.
The study did find that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at slightly greater 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. This increase was due to central nervous system-related disorders and the higher risk of admission was not found to be influenced by the stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher chance of having caesarean sections or one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These risks did not seem to be influenced by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.
The researchers suggest that the small risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy may be offset by the higher benefit to both mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, if possible, help them develop strategies to improve coping skills that can lessen the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the dilemma of whether to keep or end treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more physicians face. The majority of these decisions are made without solid and reliable evidence in either case, which means that doctors must weigh their knowledge, the experiences of other doctors, and what research says on the topic and their own best judgment for each individual patient.
In particular, the issue of possible risks to the baby can be a challenge. Many of the studies on this subject are based on observations rather than controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies focus on live births, which may underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects leading to abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing data on live and deceased births.
Conclusion Some studies have shown a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't established a link. The majority of studies show an unintended, or slight negative effect. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit analysis must be conducted in every instance.
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 cause depression, feelings of loneliness, and family conflict for these patients. The loss of medication can also affect the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are essential aspects of normal life for those with ADHD.
She recommends that women who are unsure about whether to continue or discontinue medication due to their pregnancy, consider informing family members, friends, and coworkers on the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and on the advantages of continuing the current treatment regimen. It can also make the woman feel more comfortable when she is struggling with her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the medication could be transferred to the infant.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use and misuse of ADHD medications to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases, so does concern about the potential adverse effects of the drugs on foetuses. 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 to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers found that while the risk overall is low, the first trimester Adhd Medication Guanfacine medication use was associated with slightly higher risk of certain heart defects, like ventriculoseptal defect.
The authors of the study could not discover any connection between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities or club feet. The results are consistent with previous studies that have shown a small but significant increase in the risk of developing cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications prior to the birth of their child. This risk increased in the latter half of pregnancy, when a lot of women decide to stop taking their ADHD medication.
Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean birth, have an insufficient Apgar after birth and have a baby who needed breathing assistance at birth. However the researchers of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by limiting the study to women who didn't have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to these findings.
Researchers hope their research will inform physicians when they meet pregnant women. The researchers recommend that while discussing the risks and benefits are important, the choice on whether to continue or stop taking medication should be according to the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements.
The authors caution that, even though stopping the medication is a possibility to look into, it is not recommended due to the high rate depression and mental health issues among women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
It can be a challenge to become a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD who must work through their symptoms while attending doctor appointments and preparing for the arrival of a baby and adapting to new routines in the home are often faced with a number of difficulties. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant drugs are absorbed through breast milk in low amounts, therefore the risk to the infant who is breastfeeding is low. The amount of exposure to medications will differ based on dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and time of day. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact of these medications on over the counter adhd medication health of a newborn is not fully known.
Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. It's a difficult choice for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of her medication against the risk to the fetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they are adhd meds covered by ohip taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal period.
A increasing number of studies have revealed that most women can safely continue to take their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In response, an increasing number of patients are choosing to continue their medication. They have concluded after consulting with their doctor, that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh possible risks.
It is essential for women with ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's guidance prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication given for adhd with their physician and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non amphetamine adhd medication-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women with ADHD understand the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and strengthen the coping mechanisms. This should involve an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if needed adjustments to the medication regimen.