Epilepsy , epilepsy medication and pregnancy

[ShannonFarr]

I’m currently nearly 36 weeks pregnant and so so scared for labour I heard that having epilepsy can cause stillbirth and it’s scared the life out of me I can’t stop sitting worrying About the what ifs , I take lamotrgin 250 mg twice a day so far it’s been all good baby is measuring a little big but not concerned has anyone else had normal delivery with epilepsy I’m worried sick! Any replies would be so appreciated

[Flippyferloppy]

Not me but my sister has had two and everyone is absolutely fine. It's normal to be anxious as your due date gets closer. Not long now until you get to hold your baby.
All the best!

[ShannonFarr]

@Flippyferloppy That’s reassuring , Thankyou! X

[kirinm]

Where have you read it can cause stillbirth?! Lamotrigine is one of the safest drugs to be on as when pregnant. have you had your levels checked frequently?

I had a difficult labour with my first. My epilepsy was not controlled very well and I had a seizure during labour. My DS was absolutely fine. I felt wrecked as you'd normally feel after a seizure.

With my DD, I had a c-section primarily due to my concerns about a long labour and the risk the sleep deprivation would trigger a seizure. That is an option for you.

I wasn't given any extra scans - other than a cardiac scan for the baby- when pregnant. I have never heard someone say it can "cause" still births.

[kirinm]

And for reference, I take 400mg of lamotrigine and 1000mg of keppra twice a day so am on a substantially larger dosage than you.