Complicating the decision of whether or not take ADHD medications while pregnant is the fact that there are no clear-cut studies regarding the safety of stimulant medication use while pregnant.
Still, it’s worth emphasizing that there is no firm or consistent data on how ADHD stimulants affect the fetus during pregnancy. The current data suggest that there is little to no impact, but the information from these studies does not confirm that this is “absolutely correct in all cases.” Thus, the course of treatment should be based on a balance between the mother’s need for medication and her desire not to expose her baby to drugs about which very little is known.
Concerning lactation, many health professionals believe that the risks associated with not breastfeeding may outweigh the risks of using stimulants. Therecommends that women breastfeed their babies for at least one year. Additionally, most doctors advise their pregnant patients to discontinue any inessential medication while pregnant or nursing, as traces of the medication may show up in the mother’s milk.
While breastfeeding, it is recommended that the mother work closely with her pediatrician to understand reactions in the baby that might suggest a negative effect from the medication. For stimulant medications, these behaviors include irritability and poor sleeping patterns. If a parent notices these behaviors, the medication should be decreased in dose or stopped entirely.
It’s critical to weigh the effect on the mother of ceasing ADHD medication, considering what little is known about the impact of such medications on the fetus and, later, the baby. Your obstetrician will be able to provide you with literature on medications taken during pregnancy.
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