ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding<br /><br />The decision to stop or keep ADHD medications during pregnancy and nursing is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. There aren't many studies regarding how exposure over time may affect a foetus.<br /><br />A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological disorders such as hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality research.<br /><br />Risk/Benefit Analysis<br /><br />Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication should weigh the benefits of taking it against the possible risks for the foetus. Physicians do not have the data needed to make unequivocal recommendations however they can provide information about the risks and benefits to assist pregnant women in making informed choices.<br /><br />A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during early pregnancy were not at a higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based study of case-control to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during the early stages of pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts looked over the cases to ensure that the classification was correct and to reduce any bias.<br /><br />The research conducted by the researchers was not without its limitations. The researchers were unable to, in the first place to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine whether the few associations observed between the exposed groups were due to medication use or caused by co-morbidities. The researchers also did not study long-term outcomes for the offspring.<br /><br />The study did reveal that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly more 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 was due to central nervous system-related disorders and the increased risk of admission did not appear to be influenced by the stimulant medications were taken during pregnancy.<br /><br />Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an increased chance of having a caesarean section or having a child with a low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did not seem to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.<br /><br />The research suggests that the small risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefit for both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should speak with their patients about this and try to help them improve coping skills which could reduce the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships.<br /><br />Medication Interactions<br /><br />As more women than ever are diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the question of whether to continue or end treatment during pregnancy is a question that doctors are having to confront. These decisions are often made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must weigh their own knowledge in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors and the research on the subject.<br /><br />In particular, the issue of possible risks to the baby can be tricky. The research on this subject is based on observations rather than controlled studies, and the results are conflicting. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate severe teratogenic effects that cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings, by examining both the data from deceased and live births.<br /><br />The conclusion The conclusion: While certain studies have demonstrated an association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, others have found no such relationship, and most studies demonstrate a neutral or slight negative effect. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit assessment is required in every case.<br /><br />It can be challenging, if not impossible for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In a recent article published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can cause depression and feelings of being isolated. In addition, a decrease in medication can affect the ability to perform job-related tasks and drive safely which are essential aspects of daily life for many people suffering from ADHD.<br /><br />She suggests women who are unsure about whether to keep or discontinue medication due to their pregnancy, consider the possibility of educating friends, family members, and coworkers on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and on the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. It can also aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported as she struggles with her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-medication/">iampsychiatry.uk</a> decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the drug could be passed on to her baby.<br /><br />Risk of Birth Defects<br /><br />As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows there are concerns about the effects that the drugs could have on foetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this topic. With two massive data sets researchers were able analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the risk overall is low, first-trimester ADHD exposure to medication was associated with slightly higher risk of certain heart defects, like ventriculoseptal defect.<br /><br />The researchers of the study could not discover any link between early medication usage and congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in the same vein as previous studies that showed a small, but significant increase in cardiac malformations for women who started taking ADHD medication before the birth of their child. The risk increased in the latter part of pregnancy when a large number of women began to stop taking their medication.<br /><br />Women who used ADHD medication in the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to have caesarean section, low Apgar score after delivery and a baby who needed breathing assistance at birth. However the researchers of the study were not able 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.<br /><br />Researchers hope that their research will provide doctors with information when they meet pregnant women. They advise that while discussing the risks and benefits is crucial but 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 warn that, even though stopping the medication is an option to think about, it isn't recommended because of the high incidence of depression and other mental disorders for women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. Further, the research suggests that women who choose to stop their medications are more likely to have difficulties adapting to life without them following the baby's arrival.<br /><br />Nursing<br /><br /><br /><br />The responsibilities of being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to a new routine. This is why many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.<br /><br />The risk to nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk in low amounts. However, the amount of exposure to medication by the newborn can vary depending on the dosage, frequency it is administered, and the time of day the medication is administered. In addition, individual medications enter the infant's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk, and the effect of this on a newborn isn't yet fully understood.<br /><br />Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the absence of research. This is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of taking her medication as well as the risk to the embryo. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors may 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 />Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue taking their ADHD medication without risk during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In response, a rising number of patients are opting to continue their medication. They have discovered through consultation with their physicians that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh any potential risks.<br /><br />It is essential for women with ADHD who are thinking of breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior to becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their prescriber and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize the signs and the underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and reinforce coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary approach with the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, and monitoring for indicators of deterioration, and, if necessary adjustments to the medication regimen.<br /><br />