pregnancy, medication, birth defects...

[coasttocoast]

Thanks in advance for reading… Girlfriend is epileptic.

From what I understand, there will be complications before/during/after pregnancy. Because of her medication “carbamazepine”, there is an increase in birth defects… I am new to this. I have questions:

Will the risk of birth abnormalities decrease ANY if she is off ANY/ALL medication prior to pregnancy? Decrease as in: a “(no offense) normal” person (without epilepsy)… Or does medication stay in the body months/years after?

Are/is there medication(s) that do not risk birth defects?

How exactly does “epilepsy medication” work? possibility of locking her in a padded room with my mother so she can have my babies... LoL~!

 

[Nakamova]

Hi coasttocoast, welcome to CWE!

I think you and your girlfriend need to have a talk with her neurologist and her OB/GYN. Usually the decision on whether to stay medicated during a pregnancy is done on a case-by-case basis. It might depend on the kind and frequency of seizures, and how sensitive your girlfriend is to fluctuations in estrogen. The risk of having a seizure while pregnant is weighed against the risks of side effects from the meds. Keep in mind that the vast majority of children born to mothers on AEDs have no birth defects whatsoever.

If you and your girlfriend are thinking of getting pregnant, one of the most important things your girlfriend should do is take a folic acid supplement. It's important for all pregnant women, but especially important for women on AEDs.

Epilepsy med works by sedating the nerves so a seizure can't spread. It's a bit like dampening an area to prevent the spread of a fire. As for the padded room -- I wouldn't recommend it! A violent seizure can do damage even if you're lying in nice cushy bed while it happens. Trust me!

Best,
Nakamova

 

[stephk]

Hello and welcome,

I completely agree with Nakamova. You need to talk to her Neurologist and OB/GYN.

keep in mind that there are risks with most medications, some are low risk and others high risk. The med vs no med risk really depends on her type of szs. If you want babies with her, I suggest you go with her to her appointments.

A personal note if i may, my son is completely healthy... no defects, and i took AEDs the entire time i was prego with him.

 

[Rae1889]

I agree with Nakamova. Talk to her neuro about it and see if he can recommend a OB/GYN that takes on patients with E. If not give him the name of her current OB/GYN so they can collaberate on treatment options.

Also keep in mind that Seizures are just as dangerous to a developing baby, if not more so, than the drugs.