15 Of The Most Popular ADHD Medication Pregnancy Bloggers You Must Follow
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or keep ADHD medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There aren't enough data on how long-term exposure may affect a foetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during utero do not develop neurological conditions like impaired vision or hearing seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication must consider the benefits of taking it against the potential risks to the fetus. Physicians do not have the necessary data to give clear guidelines, but they can provide information about benefits and risks that can help pregnant women make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during early pregnancy did not have a greater risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a massive population-based case control study to compare the incidence of structural defects that were major in infants born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists reviewed the cases to ensure correct classification of the cases and to reduce the chance of bias.
The research conducted by the researchers had some limitations. The researchers were unable in the beginning to differentiate the effects triggered by the best medication for ocd and adhd from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the small associations observed among the groups exposed were due to the use of medications or confounded by the presence of comorbidities. Additionally the researchers did not look at the long-term outcomes of offspring.
The study revealed that infants whose mothers took buy adhd medication uk medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to those whose mothers did not take any medication during pregnancy or discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system disorders, and the increased risk for admission did not appear to be influenced by the stimulant medications were taken during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having to have caesarean sections or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases didn't seem to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.
The researchers suggest that the small risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy could be offset by the higher benefit for both mother and child of continued 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.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the issue of whether to keep or stop treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more doctors face. These decisions are frequently made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must weigh their own knowledge and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors, and the research that has been conducted on the subject.
Particularly, the issue of potential risks for the baby can be tricky. The research on this issue is based on observations rather than controlled studies and the results are contradictory. Most studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that can lead to abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study presented in the journal club addresses these shortcomings, by examining both data on live and deceased births.
The conclusion: While some studies have shown a positive association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, others have found no such relationship and the majority of studies have a neutral or slight negative effect. In all cases an in-depth study of the risks and benefits must be performed.
For many women with ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to stop taking medication can be 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 medication adults ADHD medications during pregnancy can increase depression and feelings of loneliness. A decrease in medication could also affect the ability to safely drive and perform work-related tasks, which are vital aspects of daily life for those suffering from ADHD.
She suggests women who are uncertain about whether or not to stop medication in light of their pregnancy should consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues on the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. In addition, educating them can help the woman feel supported when she is struggling with her decision. Certain medications can be passed through the placenta. If a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the medication could be transferred to the infant.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows as do concerns about what impact the drugs could have on fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge about this subject. Researchers used two massive data sets to study over 4.3 million pregnancy and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk is low, the researchers discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was linked to an increase in the risk of specific heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).
The authors of the study found no association between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are in the same vein as previous studies that have shown the existence of a slight, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medication prior to the time of the time of pregnancy. The risk was higher in the later part of pregnancy, when many women begin to discontinue their medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean delivery or have an insufficient Apgar after delivery and had a baby that required breathing assistance when they were born. The authors of the study could not eliminate selection bias because they restricted the study to women without other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope that their research will aid in the clinical decisions of physicians who encounter pregnant women. The researchers suggest 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 needs.
The authors caution that, even though stopping the medication is an option to think about, it isn't recommended because of the high incidence of depression and mental health issues among women who can prescribe medication for adhd are pregnant or who have recently given birth. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult transitioning to life without them once the baby is born.
Nursing
It can be a stressful experience to become a mom. Women suffering from ADHD can face severe challenges 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 elect to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.
The risk to a breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medications is absorbed through breast milk in low amounts. However, the amount of medication exposure to the newborn can vary depending on dosage, frequency it is taken and at what time it is administered. Additionally, different medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn is not fully known.
Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. It is a difficult decision for the woman, who must weigh the advantages of taking her medication as well as the potential risks to the fetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and if they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal time.
A increasing number of studies have revealed that most popular adhd medication; valetinowiki.racing, women can safely continue to take their ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In response, a growing number of patients are choosing to do this. They have discovered after consulting with their doctor, that the benefits of retaining their current medication outweigh any risk.
Women with ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek advice from an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician as well as the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women with ADHD be aware of the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and strengthen the coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary process together with obstetricians, GPs, and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, and monitoring for indicators of deterioration, and, if necessary modifications to the medication regime.