Do You Have ADHD and Looking To Conceive? Here’s What You Need To Know

Some women have a natural longing to bear children of their own one day. It’s something innate in them and they’re the only ones who have that special gift to ultimately bring another life into this world. However, what does it mean for someone with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

According to Dr. Matthew Lorber, a psychiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital, in New York City, “Historically, the diagnosis of ADHD was missed in school-age females since they frequently present with inattentive symptoms, as opposed to boys who can be more hyperactive and impulsive, grabbing teachers’ attention.” Lorber was not involved in the study.
“More recently, an emphasis has been put on diagnosing females with ADHD in school, causing a domino effect of more women staying on stimulants in their 20s and 30s,” he explained.

“In addition, the diagnosis of adult ADHD has gained more prevalence, further leading to women in their 20s and 30s being diagnosed and treated,” Lorber said.

In 2015, the most commonly filled ADHD medicines for this group of women were Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin, the researchers found.

Why be concerned?
According to health experts, it’s important and could mean a number of things and have exact effects on the fetus. Much concern would be due to the ADHD meds such as Ritalin or Concerta that are often taken for the disorder.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found, between 2003 and 2015, there was more than a quadrupling in the number of young adult women filling prescriptions for ADHD medications. The greatest increases were seen among women in their late 20s and early 30s (childbearing ages).

“Half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and women may be taking prescription medicine early in pregnancy before they know they are pregnant,” said Coleen Boyle, director of the CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.