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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Coventry, UK

So I'm reaching that age where I'm ready to start a family, but my concern is passing epilepsy on to my children. It was passed on through genes from my mother. It has skipped past my other siblings and it hit me with a ton of bricks ( I am 1 of 5 ). Has any of you ladies been In the situation where it has not been passed down to your children? I need hope. Thankyou 💜

September 4, 2017 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members responded with heartfelt hope to someone worried about passing epilepsy on to their children, with many sharing that their own kids... Read more

Members responded with heartfelt hope to someone worried about passing epilepsy on to their children, with many sharing that their own kids have grown up completely seizure-free. Several members offered practical guidance, including talking to a neurologist about genetic risk, reviewing seizure medications for pregnancy safety, and taking folic acid before and during pregnancy. A recurring theme was that while the fear is real, love, preparation, and medical support can carry you forward, and having a parent who truly understands epilepsy can be a gift to any child who may need it.

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I have thought about it a lot because brain things have passed down through my family but not epilepsy. My grandfather and his siblings all had haemorrhages my dad had had a non-malignant tumour and me - epilepsy. So I have always prayed my boys will never have anything bad. You just need to be brave and have a baby and love them without any worry because worry doesn't achieve anything! That's what I know and believe.

September 6, 2017
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I took folic acid before becoming pregnant!

September 12, 2017
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Thankyou all for replying. I am on lamotrigine for my epilepsy, it doesn't cause problems with pregnancy but doctors have put me on the highest dose of folic acid. It's not just the fear of my children having this condition but more to the fear of seeing them have seizures. Ithe use to panic me seeing my mother have them :( . But I'm sure it will work out. I've just got to hope and pray I guess xxx

September 12, 2017
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Claudine,,, Dont let some statments give you fear or worry, so look at all the positive things said on having kids like Me and some others, so go for having your baby, its the most best thing raising and having a baby

September 7, 2017
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member You're definitely not a chicken, having a child is a really big step, my son wasn't planned. I was told I would never have children but thankfully god blessed me with one, I'm sure when the time is right you'll make an amazing parent!

September 4, 2017

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