Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Seizures in Pregnancy - bed rest??

Tue, 01/10/2017 - 08:49
Hi I am looking for some advice. I am currently 26 weeks pregnant. My pregnancy was well planned. I switched to Lamictal 1 year before getting pregnant and was on 600mg (I metabolize it very quickly thus the high dose). Once pregnant the plan was to slowly raise my dose. I was up to 800mg and I had a seizure at 21 weeks. The dosage was upped to 1000mg and blood levels came back within range but I then had another seizure at 25 weeks. Before getting pregnant I have never had a breakthrough seizure. My only seizures in the past were the result of a missed dose. After the second seizure my neurologist added 1000mg of Keppra to the Lamictal dose. I am hoping this keeps me from having any more seizures. I have the following questions and I am looking for someone who may have experienced something similar to offer advice: 1. My neurologist recommended not driving and not working so I have not been working for a month. I am a teacher with good disability insurance but this is still frustrating for me. Has anyone else had good results with adding a second medicine during pregnancy? 2. After the 2nd seizure my husband and I decided that when he was at work I would stay in bed and only walk around when necessary, avoiding stairs, shower, cooking, etc. The aftermath of the second seizure was very scary for my husband to witness. I nearly lost an eye, banged my head against the bathtub multiple times and needed stitches. We are both so thankful that the baby is totally fine!! Now nearly two weeks on the Keppra I am ready to begin having more freedom around the house. My husband understandably is hesitant but no doctor has said I need to go on bed rest. Has anyone else out there been put on bed rest or had similar restrictions? (I have grand mal seizures and no warning they are coming) I know that's a lot....thanks for reading! Any advice would be appreciated

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.