Epilepsy and Pregnancy

" Epilepsy and seizures affect approximately one million women of childbearing age in the United States. And the chances are very good that a woman with epilepsy will give birth to a healthy baby and well planned pregnancy can reduce the risk of complications."

" Women with epilepsy you have a higher rate. Difficulty getting pregnant and they also have a higher rate -- the general population. Of having children with some birth defects. It is important to know but the vast majority of children born to women with epilepsy are perfectly healthy and grow up to be perfectly normal."

" The best way for a woman with epilepsy to avoid any seizure related complications. Is to discuss and -- her pregnancy with their doctors and women who have epilepsy. Should prepare and plan for her pregnancy for several reasons. The first and most important reason is it. She should not have. Generalized seizures and preferably no seizures during her pregnancy. It's been shown that they can decrease. Fetal heart rates and increased their risk of miscarriage. Also just in general. Trauma during pregnancy or whatever costs but including falling during major -- Can really the pregnancy actress prize missed cared basically TT rupture of percent to from the uterus."

" Another reason that a woman with epilepsy needs to -- her pregnancy. Is that anti epileptic medications have been associated with an increased risk of birth defects. "

" We do not have to be specific in -- humanist and at this time. That has been shown to be completely safe during pregnancy. The types of birth defects that are associated with and -- humans and are the same as in the general population. And these include the most comments from some birth defect cleft lip. Cleft palate. And also cardiac defects. Holes in the heart so to speak for other -- formations of the heart and then. I'm spinal cord defects specifically the lack of closure of the lower spinal cord."

" Not all anti seizure medications are associated with all of these birth defects. And there is some evidence that the newer anti epilepsy drugs pose less risk although more data is needed."

" There seem to be several that have emerged as possibly. Being worse than the others. This would include. Separate code which appears to have a higher risk. These spinal cord defects and -- Barbara com. Would it. Recently has been reported. To have a higher than. Expected rate of birth defects associated with that and these are largely cardiac. Problem. How excited these -- medications. It's not clear that. Any of the others. Aren't that much different. In addition. With a whole new generation of anti seizure medicines although they've been widely used throughout the world we still don't have enough information. To. To clearly counselor patients. As with any pregnancy women with epilepsy need to reevaluate your drug regiment with -- neurologist. When a woman with epilepsy wants to become pregnant. She should consult with her neurologist. About the appropriateness of the medication she's on. Perhaps. Some cases he could even taper off her medication for pregnancy. If that's not the case then she and her position need to make sure that she's on an appropriate medication. In some. Cases perhaps consider changing. To another medication. And at least streamlining the therapy so that she's not in the least number of medications. Comment hopefully only one hand at the lowest possible tones that still provides contingent control."

" But changing a -- anti seizure medication can be very risky and can potentially lead to an increase in seizure activity. So changes should only be made to a woman's drug regiment after careful consultation with her neurologist."

" Four a woman to consider. Coming off medication in anticipation of pregnancy. She needs to have been seizure free for at least two years on medication. And had her ET. I'm normalized it. If she's had a very mild seizure disorder that has come under good control readily with anti seizure medicines and he stayed. Very well controlled this may be situation. In which she. Could -- fifteen -- off her medication. In general most women need to stay on their medication through pregnancy. In general. Comes the risk of seizures. He is proud to be greater. And -- relatively low risk of birth defects associated with these medications particularly when they're used. I'm as a single agent use alone. And at their lowest possible dose so. Many tough decision is to stamp on medication. During pregnancy because it's -- to be safer overall."

" Outside of taking steps to reduce anti seizure medications. There are other steps a woman with epilepsy can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy."

" They should make sure they have had adequate nutrition. And this includes taking multiple -- as well as. Telecast and it usually does have about one milligram per day. -- before conception."

" The bottom line is if a woman with epilepsy is able to adequately control procedures prior to conception. She can usually look forward to a safe and healthy pregnancy. And planning the pregnancy with her neurologist help is key to ensuring that."

" We -- women with epilepsy becomes pregnant her chance of having a healthy baby is very high. -- well over 90%. Probably. 9495%."

" A woman who has epilepsy needs to communicate clearly. And frequently with their health care provider. When she intends to become pregnant. Planning a pregnancy. Is the best way to try and avoid any complications. From -- the epilepsy ports therapy."