Community Forum Archive

Congratulations on being seizure free! Someone from the epilepsy foundation will probably be responding to you during the week with some information on how to get in contact with an epilepsy specialist, usually available through an epilepsy center. They are the best ones to consult with on these types of questions because they can help you navigate the process of changing medications if needed ahead of time so that you are on the right one for pregnancy (some AEDs are contraindicated for the fetus and others are considered safer). Pregnancy does carry its own risks for seizures and those with a history of seizures are more susceptible to having seizures, however once the hormonal changes level out (within a few months after the pregnancy has completed) the pregnancy related risks for seizures tend to go away. After that, it’s just a matter of continuing to work with your healthcare team to see if any adjustments need to be made with your treatment. What sounds encouraging to me about your case is that at least right now your epilepsy is not considered intractable, meaning that it has been controlled with medication so there’s a lot of hope for you! 

Hi,Thank you for posting and we understand your concerns. Treatment and how the body may react to taking or stopping certain medications varies for each individual. If you have not already may want to consider getting more specialized care at an epilepsy center. A comprehensive epilepsy center is a group of health care professionals who specialize in the diagnosis,care, and treatment of people with seizures and epilepsy. Usually led by an epileptologist, (epilepsy specialist), who can follow you before, during and after pregnancy and can help explore all treatment options and determine what individual treatment plan may be best and safest for you. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialist/find-epilepsy-center . For additional information about epilepsy, medications, pregnancy and things to review with your healthcare team, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/epilepsy-and-pregnancy .You may also want to consider using a journal or a diary like My Seizure Diary, which can help you organize your health records and is a great tool is a great tool for identifying & tracking seizures, setting reminders, managing medications, recording moods, behaviors, triggers, and other therapies or personal experiences, that may affect seizures and wellness, which can be shared with your healthcare team. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryAdditionally, you may always contact our 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, or contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline    Or contact your local Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates , to find support groups, events and programs in your community.

Hi! I have grand Mal seizures and I had a baby last year. I was worried prior to the pregnancy but my son couldn’t have turned out better, he is developing perfectly normal and a very happy baby! By my 5 months I was taking 600mg of lamictal a day. I had two seizures while pregnant but everything turned out perfect! I know it can be scary but stay positive and just listen to your doctor.