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Seizure Disorder and Pregnancy

© Geneva M. Edwards

Infertility and Epilepsy

You should have many questions when it comes to your ability of getting pregnant if you should have a seizure disorder, what anti-seizure drugs are safe for you and your developing baby, etc. Your concerns may range from your body's condition, your health, your developing fetus' health, etc. The fact that you have questions is really a good thing because we have already established the fact that: "Knowledge Is Power". So....we all know that there is no way possible for you to take care of your body, yourself and your developing baby better than getting the necessary information on the facts you need to be aware of.

Pregnancy in itself is a delicate situation. Not only are you living for yourself but you are also living for your unborn child. Therefore, it is imperative that you incorporate your unborn child into your life completely. This means that you eat right for you and your baby, you sleep the right amount of hours for you and your baby, and you follow a plan of care for you and your baby.

Women with epilepsy have fewer children than women in general, with a fertility percentage rate lower than average. This may be due to personal choice and/or the pressure from society. However, medical research has indicated that women with epilepsy have a higher incidence of menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovarian disease and reproductive endocrine disorders. And any of the above medical problems will reduce a woman's chance of becoming pregnant.

Pregnancy and Epilepsy

If you do suffer with epilepsy and you are pregnant you need to know that you are at greater risk for complications of your pregnancy, such as labor difficulties and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, most women who suffer with epilepsy will have normal, healthy infants as long as they seek medical advice and treatment before, during and after their pregnancy. For example, there are certain anti-epileptic drugs that actually lower the effectiveness of hormonal birth control methods. Medications such as Tegretol, Phenobarbital and Dilantin lower concentrations of estrogen, thus reducing the effectiveness of the hormonal contraceptive. On the other hand some of these same medications contribute to birth defects in the developing fetus. This is why prenatal care and counseling is a must if you are someone who is pregnant and suffers with a seizure disorder.

Seizure disorder and pregnancy can be managed with proper prenatal care and guidance. You play an important part in the outcome of your pregnancy by letting your health care professional know all about you and your history of seizures. When talking with your health care professional please remember.................