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Pregnancy And Epilepsy Medicines?

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
New York, NY

I'm on several epilepsy meds and have been warned that pregnancy could be dangerous and high risk. My seizures are still uncontrolled, mostly complex partial/secondarily generalized. Was wondering if any women suffering from uncontrolled seizures and/or on Dilantin, Vimpat and/or Lamictal have had children, and if so, what your experiences were? I want kids more than anything :(

November 8, 2015 (edited)
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

well when I had my son I was 41 and had both kind of seizures and gave birth to a healthy baby boy but all through my pregnancy I saw my neurologist and i had a c section he is 14 now and a straight a student

November 9, 2015
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I have two wonderful chchildren. I has seizures through both my pregnancies. I was on keppra for both but taken off my topamax and lamictal due to birth defects. I went in for monitoring 3 times a week for the baby which was awesome cause I got to listen to the baby for 20-30 minutes. The only known side effect of keppra in babies is angery issues but I have a 6 and 4 year old and they are both well adjusted with no issues at all.

Both my kids were enduced early due to my seizures but both were healthy.

In order to counteract the medications the doctors had me take double the folic acid of normal pregnant woman. I also wasn't allowed to breast feed as to prevent medication transfer.
Don't let epilepsy stop you from being a mom. It is tge best experiance ever and Your body will adjust and each person is different.

November 11, 2015 (edited)
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I have been told I can have children because they have doctors who deal with this situation. My doctors say even though I am on 4 meds I can, but I still think it's too risky for myself.

November 9, 2015
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I have two beautiful babies they tell you that yes it is dangerous and I will not lie it is you are going to be high ri

November 10, 2015
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I was on phenobarbital during my pregnancy and didn't have any problems. I gave birth to a perfectly normal child. My son did have some trouble with global delays in his development, but early intervention cured that. He graduated with honors from college and is applying to grad school. Just have an open and honest conversation with your doctor.

November 18, 2024

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