Generally speaking, women with epilepsy should not let their condition stop them from planning a family, according to doctors and epilepsy researchers.
A brochure recently released by the Epilepsy Foundation, entitled “Pregnancy & Epilepsy: Information for Women,” has the answers to this situation’s most frequently asked questions. It also contains many suggestions for ensuring the health of one’s baby.
Recent studies have shown that more than 90 percent of women with epilepsy give birth to normal, healthy babies. According to doctors and epilepsy researchers, that percentage might be even higher if the pregnancy is planned in advance with the help of a neurologist, and then accompanied by early and ongoing prenatal care. For instance, the brochure informs prospective parents that their chances of birthing a perfectly healthy baby are increased if they do not smoke, drink, do drugs, get inadequate amounts of sleep, have poor nutrition, or do not take antiepileptic medication as prescribed.
Taking antiepileptic drugs while pregnant is what worries women with epilepsy most. The most frequently asked question regarding this topic, which is addressed in the Epilepsy Foundation’s brochure, is, “If I become pregnant, shouldn’t I discontinue my antiepileptic medications?” Doctors answer this question in the brochure with a resounding “no.” A neurologist should only make changes in a person’s medications; otherwise it is dangerous for both the mother and the baby.