So i just went to the doctor today and got a blood test and found out that i am pregnant and I am 4 weeks along. I took 2 at home tests 3/1/10 and 3/2/10 and they both came up positive. I also have epilepsy, which i have had since i was 13. I have gran mal and some petite mal seizures. I am on Keppra and Tegretol. When i talked to my obgyn today he said for me to contact my neurologist about my meds to double check and see if my doctor wants to keep me on them through out my pregnancy. Because aparently Tegretol has been shown that about 1% of women that take it and are pregnant have had babies w/ spineabifita(spelling?). So now i have to go see the neurologist. I was wondering if there are any ladies in here that have been pregnant and have epilepsy and what kind of meds ur nerologist put you on for your pregnancy. Id love answers from anyone that has had a child and has epilepsy or is currently pregnant and has epilepsy. Any answers wil do im trying to get as much info as possible! Thanks!
Liz
Well, first, congrats to you!! :)
I have always had epi and have two teenagers. I was on phenobarbital with both of them. My daughter is 18 (no problems), and my son is 15. My son was dx'ed with autism at 2 1/2 and Chiari Malformation at 5 1/2, but I actually blame a sz I had at 6 weeks along with him, along with other medical issues, and NOT my med, which I was put back on after the sz.
Your doc will likely keep you on your med, since you're already preg. He may even raise the dose through the preg as you gain weight. Yes, Teg is known for Spina Bifida, but there are many women who have healthy kids in spite of it, too. I'm on Keppra now (no szs for the first time EVER--even simple partials!!!!!!!!!), but I don't know how it can affect preg or the baby. I'd ask first thing.
and 
LIZARD :)
43 yo mom with lifelong epilepsy and other neuro and autoimmune issues, and owner of Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders. Self-advocacy is VITAL to your existence, and it saved my life! Any questions at anytime, please ask!! :)
Start taking your prenatal vitamins now. My doctor put me on a higher dose of folic acid as it does decrease the risk of some birth defects. I have 2 healthy children and took 800mg
Tegretol throughout pregnancys. I was high risk, and knew the risks, the numbers/percentages can be very scary. I did not have seizures during my pregnancy, that I know of, mine are while I sleep sometimes. I will be happy to chat with you and answer any questions. This is a great group and lots of moms here to listen to your story and be there.
Tammy Fleming
I am 13 weeks pregnant and i stopped taking my meds, i would rather have a seizure then harm my baby with meds that could hurt them. so really i dont know what to do about it.
Congrats!
When I was pregnant with both my girls I took carbatrol and zarontin, my ob said those were fine to take and wouldn't hurt the baby, The only thing they did was raise the dosage of my carbatrol with one and then with my second .Even with the meds I had at least 3 gm and had to be hospitalized with one and then had to go to my ob to make sure that she was fine. I didn't mind being on the meds knowing that it wouldn't hurt the girls, and I perfered the meds then having seizures and hurting the babies.
auras
- Lizmd220
on Mar. 3, 2010 at 6:15 PM