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The vast majority - an estimated 90% - of women with epilepsy have normal pregnancies, delivering healthy babies. However if you are planning a pregnancy, it is a good idea to discuss this with your doctor.
Will my medication harm the baby?
Some anti-epileptic drugs can be described as teratogenic. This means that they may cause the foetus to develop physical defects while still in the womb. This is one of the reasons why any woman with epilepsy who is planning to get pregnant should discuss the issue with their doctor. The doctor may recommend a change in the drug regime. However, this needs to be done well in advance of pregnancy.
Once you are in possession of all the facts surrounding the drugs you are taking, you can make an informed decision on how to plan or manage your pregnancy.
Remember, you should NEVER stop taking anti-epileptic drugs suddenly, as this will result in serious withdrawal seizures and could be extremely dangerous for you.
Should I take folic acid?
The Department of Health recommends that every woman in Ireland who is planning to become pregnant should take an extra 0.4mg (400mcg) of folic acid every day, prior to conception and throughout the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, it is recommended that women with epilepsy who are on anti-epileptic drugs should take 5mg of folic acid daily instead of the 0.4mg (400mcg) tablet. The increased strength of folic acid recommended can only be obtained with a prescription from the doctor.
The reason for the recommended increased dose of folic acid 5mg, is that certain anti-epileptic medications metabolise folic acid already in the body at a faster rate, leaving reduced amounts of the vitamin in your body, which is essential in the early development of the baby's spinal cord. It is advised that you start taking folic acid three months prior to conception or as early in pregnancy as possible. This can be obtained on the long-term illness card.
Folic acid is known to reduce the incidence of babies being born with neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida. The risk of having a baby with an NTD is slightly higher amongst women with epilepsy. As a result, they are recommended to take higher doses of folic acid than the 400mg recommended to other women..
Please remember however, the use of any supplements should only be done in consultation with your doctor.
Will I be able to breastfeed?
Yes, The fact that you are taking anti-epileptic drugs should not be a problem, since breast milk contains the drugs in only very small concentrations.
Is there anywhere that offers specific help on this issue?
The Epilepsy Pregnancy Register advises women with epilepsy who are pregnant or are considering getting pregnant. It can be contacted at 1850 320 820.
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