Any Mums to be with Epilepsy

[henbear01]

Hi all,

Just wondered if there are any other Mums to be on here with Epilepsy. My epilepsy has been controlled with meds for years and since becoming pregnant i've been getting some symptoms back. They want to increase my meds but i'm a little apprehensive due to the risks involved. I'm 11 weeks today and going back to see my consultant next week.

I suppose me stressing really won't be helping much either. Doesn't help that I was told that i can no longer drive now that i'm having symptoms no matter how mild.......just want to enjoy being pregnant without all the added worry and stress!!!!!

 

[kristexp1st]

I have had epilepsy since a baby i normally have it pretty bad sometimes 3 seizures a week, i was like you when i found out i was pregnant wasmost worried about this. My worst fear was falling on my stomach and hurting my baby.

I am 22 weeks gone now and haven't havd any seizure yet.

I was really worried about the meds and complications and risks to the baby. What medications are you on and what dose? I was on Epilim controled release 1500mg but i actually stopped taking it as i was so scared of side effects. Of course i wouldn't recommend it and my doctor doesnt know.

The doctor said that it can get better or worse during pregnancy i suppose it is luck of the draw. What are your increase in symptoms?

 

[henbear01]

It's nice to finally hear from someone else.....have been feeling a bit isolated recently.

I'm on Lamotrogine 225mg twice a day. I unfortunately had a seizure yesterday (first in 3 years) They have said that they want to increase my meds but i've said no. I'm lucky that my meds are one of the safest for pregnancy but the levels can fluctuate quite a bit while pregnant which is obviously what caused the seizure yesterday. They said that the baby woldn't have been harmed by the seizure but i still thought that they would have checked me over and maybe scanned to check bubs but no!!!

I considered stoppping my meds but i couldn't have coped with work and stuff , before i was on meds i was seizing every couple of days.

I had a scan at 7 weeks and have another next week. They have said that they will scan me more frequently than normal just to check for any abnormalities that the meds could have caused but everything looks ok so far.

Have you had any additional scans, i know every health service differs?

L xx

 

[kristexp1st]

I was also on lamotragine aswell as Epilim,but they didnt really agree with me,so i went back to just Epilim.I have been really lucky because more or less as soon as i got pregnant my fits seemed to stop,and because my meds had never really controlled my fits i tried a week without them and havent had no fits,fingers crossed!
I like you was really worried about the side affects of the tablets,but apperently its better for you and bubs to take the meds than the risk of the fits.
To be honest though,me personally,if i had a fit i would prefere to be scanned just to put my mind at ease if nothing else!
To answer your question about extra scans,I am 22 weeks and i have had 5 scans,although 2 of them were because i had a bleed.Two were to check to see if the baby was growing fine and one was my 20 week.I am also booked in for 3 more before my due date.
I have never been longer than a month without a fit,since been a baby and like i said i have Grand Mal Epilesy,so because these last five moths i havent had any,The specialist said that they might concider giving me an injection after bub is born that makes my body think i am permantly pregnant,but for the moment i am just enjoying been fit free,and hope it lasts.
I hope all is well with your pregnancy but if you are worried since you had that fit,I would get on your docs or specialists case and they will probably book you in for a scan! xx

 

[kns]

hi
my partner has epilepsy and her last fit in 2005 until then they were severe fits several times a day.
she is now stablised with topiromate or something like that, when discussing her meds when pregnant they explained that staying on meds said there was a slight more chance of missing digit but its more risky to take off meds and for her to ahve a fit and either be paralised again or die.
we are going to the doctor today to discuss meds agin.
x