Potential Risks of Taking Adderall While Pregnant
Many concerns about taking Adderall while pregnant have to do with a potential impact on the baby’s growth and premature delivery. One common side effect of Adderall is a decreased appetite, which may lead to growth problems with the baby. Additionally, a recent study observed a small but significant increase of certain birth defects in women taking stimulants while pregnant. Specifically, the study showed an increased risk of:
- Gastroschisis: The baby is born with its intestines outside the body, but this can be fixed with surgery.
- Omphalocele: The baby is born with part of its abdomen outside the body, but this can be repaired with surgery.
- Transverse limb deficiency: Part of a baby’s limb is smaller than expected or missing.
Routine prenatal care is important for any pregnant woman, especially if they are taking a medication like Adderall. Prenatal exams tell the doctor whether the baby is growing at an appropriate rate while the mother is taking Adderall. Further, ultrasound exams may help the doctor find out if there are certain birth defects.
Adderall vs. Adderall XR in Pregnancy
The FDA has similar warnings about both Adderall and long-acting Adderall XR in pregnancy. Neither drug has shown harm in animal studies when given at typical doses. The FDA recommends not taking Adderall or Adderall XR when breastfeeding due to unclear long-term risks to the baby’s development.
ADHD Management During Pregnancy
If you decide to stop Adderall use during pregnancy, it can be helpful to have other strategies to manage ADHD until your baby is born. One woman who chronicled her stimulant-free pregnancy reported having good results from:
- Carrying a journal and writing down reminders
- Taking long walks outside in the sunshine
- Having lots of healthy snacks and staying hydrated
- Setting phone alarms to keep on task
- Asking a trusted person to help keep yourself accountable
If you are dependent on Adderall and struggling with the idea of stopping, The Recovery Village at Baptist Health can help. Contact us today to learn more about treatment plans that can work well for your needs.
- Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Key Findings: A Growing Number of Reproductive-Aged Women are Filling Prescriptions for ADHD Medicine.” July 16, 2020. Accessed November 1, 2020.
Freeman, Marlene P. “ADHD and Pregnancy.” The American Journal of Psychiatry, July 1, 2014. Accessed November 1, 2020.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Use of ADHD Medicine is Increasing among Pregnant Women.” July 16, 2020. Accessed November 1, 2020.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Adderall XR.” July 17, 2019. Accessed November 1, 2020.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Adderall.” April 28, 2020. Accessed November 1, 2020.
Davis, Jonita. “Surviving Pregnancy Without My ADHD Medication.” June 21, 2016. Accessed November 1, 2020.
Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.