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I want to have a baby. I have tried several alternates but nothing worked so I need to remain on Valproic acid . Has anyone in this situation given birth to a healthy baby and how did they manage to keep themselves healthy and reduce the risk to the baby ?
Hi @A MyEpilepsyTeam Member , I’ve never had a baby but I’ve been on Depakote (the generic Divalproex) for probably just over 10 years & I’m almost 42. My Pediatric Neurologist started me on it & first thing he mentioned was to let him know if I ever wanted to become pregnant because that pill can cause birth defects. So I strongly you talk with your doctor about taking this while pregnant. Plus, after seeing a different new Neurologist a few years ago, he brought to my attention that long term use of the Depakote has a chance at causing Osteoporosis & so he had me do a bone density test & it showed I have Osteopenia in my left hip. He suggested I take Vitamin D & my current Neurologist recommends the Vitamin D also & so I would suggest you start that as well to prevent the chance at getting Osteopenia or Osteoporosis. But again, I was told that the Depakote can cause birth defects & my Neurologist wanted me to let him know if I wanted to become pregnant. Reach out to your doctor & discuss the issues, that’s what they’re there for. Better to be safe than sorry. Best of luck to you & I hope you can find something that works. Sending Thoughts, Hugs, Smiles & Prayers. Your friend in Texas, Becky
welcome to the group
@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member , You’re very welcome. At first I didn’t know about the Osteoporosis possibility from Depakote either cause my Pediatric Neurologist didn’t tell me that but he did mention this issue. I had already been on the Depakote probably 7 or 8 years until I found out that the Depakote can cause Osteoporosis & when I found out I had the Osteopenia. Well welcome to the site. You’ve come to the right place for support & where you can ask questions like you did. Make yourself at home & if you have any questions feel free to ask anyone. Your friend in Texas, Becky
Thank you so much for such a detailed explanation. I understand and surprisingly I did not know about the osteoporosis part. I will definitely speak to my doctor about it .
Love,
Sarina
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