[saram8479]

Not to sure if I am in the right place. I am a bit new to this.

My DH and I want to start TTC this year however I am on a lot of anti-epileptics. 2 of which are quiet new on the market and not much research has been done in regards to what impacts these particular drugs have on fetus'.


I am really unsure what to do. The epilepsy has been hard to control which after 8 years I am finally stable enough to start thinking about having a baby and if I stop my medications there is a high chance I could relapse, start having seizures again and that would be horrible if it were to happen while I was pregnant. On the other hand the thought of taking medications that could too put a baby at risk frightens me.

I have a great Neurologist who is very supportive but will not advise me on what to do, only provide me with all the answers to my questions and concerns, understandably so, because ultimately it is our choice either way.


My DH and I are very frightened about making this decision. Is there anyone out there who has been in a similar circumstance?

I

This post has been edited by Chelli: 23/01/2013, 09:31 AM

Reason for edit: Altered thread title

[lsolaBella]

My sister is epileptic.

With her Neuro she agreed that the risk of medication was the lower risk when compared to the risk of seizures. As it was PG hormones did impact her and she did have some seizures during PG.

It is a hard decision to make.

Eta my sister has a healthy 15mo and is TTC #2

This post has been edited by lsolaBella: 21/01/2013, 03:03 PM

[CFMummy]

Hi im epileptic and have 2 girls. I was told to take a hight strength folic acid for at least 3 months before TTC then all the way through the pregnancy. I did have afew seizures towards the end of the pregnany but both my girls were born healthy

[Mary Whether]

Hello.

I am epileptic, but unfortunately my seizures are not controlled. We have made the decision not to TTC (on medical advice), as the risks of seizures are too great. I have also recently come off medication when I was advised to definitely not TTC. I hope that you get some responses from epileptics who have children...I just wanted to let you know that I am here if you ever want to talk to anyone who decided/was advised not to.

Good luck and best wishes.

[madammuck]

Hi there,

My sister is epileptic and has two very lovely, healthy little boys, both of which she conceived while on her meds (albeit lower doses than normal).

She's currently TTC #3, falling pregnant is not a problem but she's miscarried twice in a short period of time, which doctors are attributing to her epilepsy medication.

She's been directed to see an OB who specialises in the care of pregnant women with epilepsy, together they're going to map out the best plan for her. She told me the other day she's feeling emotionally much better knowing that she's rallying a support team of experts around her.

As PPs have said, she's also on a higher dose of folate.

Good luck OP

[Chelli]

Hi there,
When it comes to medication advice, this must only come from your medical practitioner. Responses to this must only be about experiences with TTC. I have edited the title of this thread to reflect that.

All the best with TTC.

Chelli
Admin

[saram8479]

Thank You all for your responses. It is good to hear other people's stories and thoughts. It is such a hard decision.

We have a wonderful Neurologist onboard but I don't have anyone else who I can talk to about all this.


Thank You

[saram8479]

Hi im epileptic and have 2 girls. I was told to take a hight strength folic acid for at least 3 months before TTC then all the way through the pregnancy. I did have afew seizures towards the end of the pregnany but both my girls were born healthy

I have been told to start on high strength folic acid just incase of any unexpected surprises however that has not happened.


Do you mind me asking if you were medicated throughout your pregnancy? Also, did you have natural or elective C-sections as I usually have seizures after being tired, forgetting medications and stressful situations. I really want to try a Natural birth but have all these other things to think about.

[suline]

We have a wonderful Neurologist onboard but I don't have anyone else who I can talk to about all this.

Can you ask your GP for a referral to a high risk or feto-maternal specialist obstetrician for a pre-conception and pregnancy planning meeting. I would guess it would be through the largest maternity hospital in your state (sorry, not sure where you are located) Im guessing they will have experience with many women having babies with different forms of epilepsy and medications, and they should be able to liase with your neurologist.

Goodluck.

[lsolaBella]

My sisters OB worked closely with her Neuro.

My sister was wanting a natural birth. Her OB was OK with the idea, so long as certain criteria were met. Once again it is about what is the lesser risk.

As it was it was all taken out of her hands as she developed HELLP eclampsia (not related to epilepsy) and she had an emerg full GA cs.

Work with your caregivers about what is best for your situation.