Table of contents:
- Complications can be experienced by the mother due to epileptic seizures during pregnancy
- The risk to the baby if the mother has epileptic seizures during pregnancy
- What should a pregnant woman with epilepsy do?
According to a World Health Organization report, there are about 50 million seizure patients in the world. The combination of seizures and pregnancy may seem risky, but the odds could be on your side. Here is more information on epileptic seizures during pregnancy.
Complications can be experienced by the mother due to epileptic seizures during pregnancy
Epilepsy during pregnancy can be a cause for concern. However, most mothers with epilepsy give birth to healthy babies. Seizures during pregnancy can cause several complications for pregnant women, including:
- slowed fetal heart rate
- fetal injury, premature separation of the placenta from the uterus (placental abruption), or miscarriage due to trauma experienced during the seizure
- preterm labor
- premature birth
In addition, every woman reacts to pregnancy in different ways. For most pregnant women who suffer from epilepsy, their seizures do not change. For some pregnant women, there is a higher risk of having seizures during pregnancy, especially in those who are sleep deprived or do not use the prescribed medication. For other pregnant women, seizures are less frequent.
Additionally, some medications used to treat seizures can contribute to infertility. However, certain anti-seizure medications can also reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptive methods. You will need to contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
The risk to the baby if the mother has epileptic seizures during pregnancy
Any medicine you use during pregnancy can affect your baby. Beyond the effect of the drug, babies born to mothers with epilepsy have a higher risk of having seizures. Depending on the type of medication and the dosage you are taking, there can also be an increased risk of birth defects or other disorders such as:
- urinary tract defects
- congenital heart
- skeletal disorders
- low intellectual ability
- poor cognitive abilities (speaking and understanding)
- memory problems
- autism spectrum disorder
- he delayed and spoke
What should a pregnant woman with epilepsy do?
Before you try to become pregnant, schedule an appointment with your doctor to consider alternative treatments. It is usually better to make drug changes before than during pregnancy.
If you become pregnant while taking an anticonvulsant, continue using your medication. And you should contact a specialist immediately to discuss treatment with your medication. Do not change or stop your medication without the advice of a specialist, especially during pregnancy. This is because a severe seizure during pregnancy can cause damage or injury, or even death, to you or your baby.
Take your anti-seizure medication as prescribed. Do not adjust your dose or stop your medication on your own. Remember that uncontrolled seizures tend to pose a greater risk to the baby than any medication. Additionally, it is recommended that you take a daily 5 milligram (5mg) dose of folic acid once you start trying to conceive. Your doctor will need to prescribe you because 5mg tablets are not available without a prescription.
It is also important to make healthy lifestyle choices.
- Follow a healthy diet.
- Take prenatal vitamins.
- Get enough sleep.
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and taking drugs.
The doctor will offer an ultrasound to help detect developmental problems in your baby. You may need additional blood tests to check the blood levels of anti-epileptic drugs, depending on the anticonvulsant you are taking.
Seizures occur when abnormal patterns of electrical activity increase in the brain. This can cause the body to move uncontrollably, and can also lead to being unconscious for a short period of time. You need to pay more attention if you are pregnant while having a seizure.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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