Family Planning
In the past, studies suggested that women with epilepsy may have a more difficult time getting pregnant than women without epilepsy.
A study by Dr. Jacqueline French and colleagues was presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, in April 2016.
Study Design
- The study was a multi-center, prospective observational study of women with epilepsy (88 women) and a comparison group of healthy control women without epilepsy (109 women), ages 18 to 41 years, who were trying to get pregnant.
- The main outcomes that were measured were time to pregnancy after birth control was stopped and also overall proportion of each group that became pregnant.
- Results were presented after controlling for differences in age, prior number of pregnancies, body mass index, and race.
Results
- There was no difference in overall success of achieving pregnancy.
- There was no difference in the time to pregnancy between the groups.
- Pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage vs. live birth) were also statistically the same.
Conclusion
Women with epilepsy are just as likely to achieve pregnancy as their peers without epilepsy.
Take home message:
"Don’t worry, plan your family, and discuss those plans with your doctor!"
Reference
A Prospective Study of Pregnancy in Women with Epilepsy Seeking Conception (The WEPOD Study) (I5.001); Jacqueline French, Cynthia Harden, Page Pennell, Emilia Bagiella, Evie Andreopoulos, Connie Lau, Stephanie Cornely, Sarah Barnard, and Anne Davis; Neurology April 5, 2016 vol. 86 no. 16 Supplement I5.001
Resources
Epilepsy Centers
Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.
Epilepsy Medication
Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.
Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline
Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.
Tools & Forms
Download our seizure tracking app, print out seizure action plans, or explore other educational materials.
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