Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Pregnancy. What did you experience as an epileptic woman?

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭

Im pregnant again, its not as bad as my first but i feel constant chest pressure and shortness of breath. I feel like i Might have a seizure but it wont happen. Been feeling this was way for over 30 minutes. I got a obgyn appojntment on the 17th, still trying to make a neuro appointment. I dont know if i can do this. I have the constant agony of feeling like a seizure MIGHT happen. Its driving me crazy. I dont wanna go to the E.R cause they will likely just send me home like they did my last… read more

March 9
 · 
Reactions
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member - I have no personal experience with epilepsy with pregnancy. What I can tell you is that YES - you can handle this for the next 6 - 7 months. The precious life inside of you needs you to take every day, one at a time. You are a woman and you are strong. (It's perfectly okay to have weak moments, but overall you are strong!). Listen closely to your body. If you need to rest, then rest. God bless you, and be enCOURAGEd!

March 9
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member
Any baby can be harmed at birth, Believe Me! 😭
❤️🌻💜Your Kansas Colleague, Sean🌺💙💐

March 9
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member , Though I’ve never had children & have no interest in it & am going through menopause now, I can tell you that if you ever want to have kids, talk with your Neurologist first so they can make sure you’re on the right medication that won’t harm the baby. I’m 47 & I saw my Pediatric Neurologist till my late 20’s & sometime in my mid teens or so, he put me on Depakote & when he did, he told me to let him know if I ever wanted to have kids because it can cause harm to the baby. So if the time comes that you would want kids, it’s best to first have a discussion with your doctor about that & what medications would be safe for you & the baby during that time. There’s other team members on this site who had kids. Good luck. Your friend in Austin, Texas, Becky

March 9
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Amen!🙏🏽

March 9
MyEpilepsyTeam

What are you experiencing during pregnancy with epilepsy, and how can you manage the anxiety about potential seizures?

First, what you're describing sounds incredibly difficult. The constant worry about having a seizure is a real and recognized issue called "seizure worry" or seizure anxiety. This fear of losing control and Show Full Answer

What are you experiencing during pregnancy with epilepsy, and how can you manage the anxiety about potential seizures?

First, what you're describing sounds incredibly difficult. The constant worry about having a seizure is a real and recognized issue called "seizure worry" or seizure anxiety. This fear of losing control and the unpredictability can significantly impact your quality of life, even when seizures aren't actually happening.

The chest pressure, shortness of breath, and feeling like a seizure might happen could be related to this anxiety rather than an actual seizure building up. That doesn't make it any less real or distressing for you.

Here are some important steps to consider:

- Keep trying to get that neurology appointment as soon as possible. Managing epilepsy during pregnancy requires coordination between your neurologist and OB-GYN
- If symptoms feel severe or different from your usual experience, don't hesitate to seek medical attention even if past ER visits felt unhelpful
- Consider asking your doctors about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been shown to effectively treat seizure worry and anxiety

Many MyEpilepsyTeam members have shared similar concerns about pregnancy while managing epilepsy. One member said, "Even though I have been given the go-ahead by my neurologist and OB, I am still nervous." Another shared, "Ecstatic obviously but worried about what my meds might do to my Bub."

You're not alone in these feelings, and with proper medical support, many women with epilepsy do have healthy pregnancies.

March 9

Related Questions

View All

Answers

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hamilton, NZ
July 13, 2018

Need advice.

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Coventry, UK
September 4, 2017 (edited)

Do you think this would be too much?

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Pittsburgh, PA
May 20

Epileptic Encephalopathy: What To Know About DEE
8 Ways To Care for Yourself as an Epilepsy Caregiver
Did You Know… About Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic (PGTC) Seizures?