Pregnancy and Epilepsy- Considerations in Getting Pregnant

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a condition which is characterized by the sudden occurrence of seizures due to rapid rush of electrical signals in the brain. The symptoms of this condition actually vary. While some patients tend to stare blankly for a couple of seconds, there are victims who suffer from full-fledge convulsions.

Treatment should be sought after even for the mildest cases of epilepsy as it can put a person's life at risk especially when seizures occur in very unfavourable situation such as swimming and driving. Treatment actually helps in reducing the intensity and occurrence of seizures. More often than not, victims tend to outgrow this condition when they grow older.

Statistics of Epilepsy during Pregnancy

Undeniably, pregnancy is one of the most vital stages in a woman's life. It actually requires additional effort and care to give you and your baby the best of health. If you have been found out to have epilepsy before getting pregnant, consult your doctor about it immediately.

According to statistics, around 24,000 babies are born to mothers who have been diagnosed with epilepsy. Before, epileptic women are strongly discouraged from getting pregnant. But with latest advances in research and technology, getting pregnant is no longer a problem to many epileptic women. Around 6-7 women per thousand of pregnant women are actually diagnosed with this condition.

Epilepsy during Pregnancy

Some researchers claim that pregnancy does not affect epilepsy but there are pregnant women who claimed that their epileptic condition has improved since getting pregnant. However, it is widely known that pregnancy comes with drastic hormonal changes which often increases the level of emotional and physical stress. As a result, seizures may begin to occur. Lack of sleep frequently can also increase the level of stress.

What are the risks involved to pregnant women who have epilepsy?

Women diagnosed with epilepsy are at a greater risk of suffering from pregnancy related complications than women who don't have epilepsy. These complications include:

Anemia

Severe morning sickness

Separation of the placenta from the uterus

Vaginal bleeding

Failure to progress in delivery and labor

Preeclampsia

Higher chances of having seizures

Miscarriage

Intake of anti-seizure drugs can actually cause the development of fetal conditions like cleft lip, skeletal abnormalities, spina bifida, cardiac abnormalities, neural tube defects and urinary tract defects.

What are the risks involved to the babies whose mothers have been diagnosed with epilepsy?

Statistics revealed around 90% of babies who mothers suffer from epilepsy are actually born normal. However, there are still risks associated with children. These include the following.

Higher chances of having seizure disorders in older age

Development and growth delays

Stillborn

Premature

Bleeding after birth

Birth defects

Low birth weight

Never stop taking your anti-seizure medicines unless your doctor tells you to do so. There are lots of pregnant women who tend to stop taking their medicines in the fear of bearing children with birth defects.

It would always be advantageous on your end to talk with your doctor regarding your pregnancy and intake of anti-seizure medication. Also, never forget to take your prenatal supplements and vitamins such as folic acids to prevent birth defects later on.

I discovered some valuable free info on the blog of a medical clinic about epilepsy and pregnancy. To know more about it follow on the link epilepsy and pregnancy.. This article, Pregnancy and Epilepsy- Considerations in Getting Pregnant is available for free reprint.