Pregnancy and Epilepsy

There are many women out there who have epilepsy and are afraid to have children because of the effects their medication may have on the unborn child. I have epilepsy and am the mum of two beautiful children.

My first pregnancy wasn't the best. This was because being a

first pregnancy, it was recommended that i be unmedicated as the risks were unknown and i really didnt want to damage the baby's health by taking the medication. I had several seizures throughout the pregnancy and was constantly having seizures throughout the labor also.  After my first was born, i ended up in hospital from having a seizure and also from being dehydrated. The doctor rang my neurologist and they decided it was time for me to go back on my medication.

With my second child - I was very scared when i found out i was pregnant as i knew that if i continued with the pregnancy and wasnt able to be medicated - there was a very high chance i would have seizures thus causing brain damage to the baby. Luckily for me, this time i was able to be medicated safely after the first trimester.

The key thing to do before conceiving is to discuss with your neurologist or general practitioner about medications that are pregnancy safe. Like all medications there will be ones that you arent able to take at all! Also, try to avoid too much tv or computer time as regardless of whether or not you are medicated - this can trigger an epileptic seizure which can be very harmful to the unborn child.

A support and research group is available for pregnant women or women ttc who have epilepsy. This group is based in melbourne and more information can be found HERE.

You need to remember to have regular checkups through out your pregnancy and also remember that unless you have seeked medical permission and under medical supervision, it is extremely unsafe to go off your medication because 25-30% of woman have an INCREASE of seizures if they aren't medicated.

So please if you want to have children and you are an epileptic, it is very possible to have an easy pregnancy with smooth sailing all the way.... you just have to remember to communicate with the doctors and tell them your fears/ worries. Unless you talk, they dont know what's going through your mind!

Cheers