Hello!

Join Login
Learn More

Article Concerns over women taking ADHD medication while pregnant

By

5 Comment

Medication commonly used to treat ADHD could increase the risk of heart defects in infants, according to a new study.

The research, published in JAMA Psychiatry, found that those exposed to methylphenidate drugs like Ritalin and Concerta during their first trimester were 28 percent more likely to give birth to a child with a congenital heart defect.

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital collected data from more than four million American and Nordic women, reports Daily Mail.

This means that for every 1,000 women treated with methylphenidate during the first 90 days of pregnancy, there were three infants born with a heart defect.

‘Although the absolute risk is small, it is nevertheless important evidence to consider when treating young women of reproductive age and pregnant women,’ researcher Dr Krista Huybrechts of Brigham and Women’s Hospital said.

The study also found that amphetamine did not increase the risk of heart defects.

ADHD is a chronic condition characterized by inattentiveness and impulsiveness.

Researchers suggest women with mild to moderate ADHD symptoms may be able to forego treatment during pregnancy.

However, if expecting mothers suffer from severe ADHD symptoms researchers say it may be important for them to continue using their medication throughout pregnancy.

As always it is best to discuss with your doctor before making a decision.

Share your comments below.

Shutterstock photo

Share this

Comments

  • Some who suffer with severe ADHD have a really low IQ and other medical issues. Some know they would not cope with Motherhood. I personally know one. I never mentioned it but she confided in me that she didn’t think she could cope with a baby if she had one, that she wished people would stop pressuring them.

    Reply

  • 3 out of 1000. I’d be interested to know how many babies have heart defects in mothers who aren’t on ADHD medication.

    Reply

  • Important info for those who suffer ADHD. No medication is without side effects, good to be cautious and discuss things with your practitioner.

    Reply

  • My name is Makgotso Makaba, 38yrs from Durban. I was going down the drain as my man could not stop cheating on me with other ladies. I tried to make him stop but I failed, the more I tried, the harder it became. At times we would fight and separate for a month and come back again just because of our kids. I was really tired of this off and on relationship so I tried to search for some help, I asked my friend to help me out cause even prayers, prophets and pastors failed to help me. My friend took me to Mama Thandy +27814476165 that she will help me. I didn’t believe at first but she insisted that i should try, I decided to give it a try, I called Mama Thandy +27814476165 and she told me it would take time and I needed to buy the requirements which i did and told her each and every problem that i have in my life she was so calm which made me relieved and we had a presentation prayer after that my man started slowly and slowly to change, he started coming home early,having time for our kid,calling me constantly and from then he changed completely now his the man I want to have the rest of my life. Thank you Mama Thandy am really proud of you and to my fellow ladies who have prayed for a miracle to happen look no further than +27814476165 you will thank me later but that number is my secret to my happiness.From that day till now, my minds is at rest.

    Reply

  • I can imagine indeed that if you suffer severe ADHD, not taking your medicines isn’t an option. 🙁

    Reply
Post a comment

To post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.

Join Login

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join