Medication and pregnancy

[Rose03]

Hi all, I’ve just joined so I am wanting opinions of other mums I guess. I am on some medication for focal epilepsy but the medication has quite strong side effects of which one has a risk of developing deformities in a foetus. I would like another baby but I need to sort out the medication as I worry about the possibility of having deformities in a second child. The doctor just says it’s fine only a smaller % higher than a previous medication I was on but I have read studies showing the results are different to what the doctor says. Do you think it’s best to wean off the medication and then try for a baby but I don’t know the risks of that would be having seizures which isn’t healthy but I’m unsure as to which is the best option? Is there even one? Other medication I’ve been on doesn’t stop the seizures necessarily just delays them I think so they are less frequent. Just wanted thoughts of other mums I suppose who may also have similar stories or just opinions. Thanks.

Have you been referred back to a specialist? This should happen if you are planning a pregnancy. Have a look here for information on the different anticonvulsants:
Www.medicinesinpregnancy.org

I am under a consultant and have been waiting 9months to see them again to see what they suggest but I feel it’s very vague from their perspective and they don’t really give that support. I will have a look at that website and see if anything new is on there thanks 😊

Hi again,

If you tell your GP you are planning a pregnancy, they should make a specific referral for preconception counselling either with your specialist or a specialist epilepsy nurse. You could also ask your GP to get in touch with UKTIS (0344 892 0909), who will provide clear information about the risks and benefits of your meds which the GP can then discuss with you.

There are also specialist obstetric neurologist consultants: you can ask to be referred to one - a regular consultant may not be as informed. This could take quite a wait on the NHS however.

Please do not stop taking your medication: this results in unnecessary risks to both you and your unborn baby. To be frank, you need to find the least worst option - there is not a quick fix with epilepsy. Discuss the risks of everything with your consultant.

Can you afford to go private? It's the quickest route to get to a point where you're able to TTC.

Thanks for all the comments I’ll look into those. Appreciate it

What is your medication OP? As the poster above said, please please don't come off your meds.

I wouldn’t go off the medication or make that decision myself it would definitely be something I’d discuss with my consultant. The medication is Tegratol.