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Epilepsy and Pregnancy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.

What do I need to know about pregnancy and epilepsy?

Women with epilepsy can have a safe and healthy pregnancy with careful planning. Epilepsy and epilepsy medicine may make it more difficult to become pregnant. Both may also make it difficult to manage your pregnancy. Pregnancy may increase or decrease the amount of seizures that you have. Work with your healthcare provider to decrease risks to you and your baby.

How may epilepsy affect my pregnancy?

How will my baby be monitored during my pregnancy?

Regular ultrasounds will help monitor your baby. You may need other tests to check for problems with your baby's heart or nervous system. These problems can be caused by epilepsy or epilepsy medicine. These tests will help you and your healthcare provider create safe labor, delivery, and care plans.

Pregnancy Ultrasound

What will happen if I have a seizure during labor or delivery?

You will be given epilepsy medicine through an IV. The medicine may make your baby more sleepy than normal when he or she is born. Your baby will be monitored closely after birth for any side effects of the medicine.

Will it be safe to breastfeed my baby?

Ask your healthcare provider if it safe to breastfeed your baby. Some epilepsy medicines are released from the body through breast milk. Your baby may be exposed to epilepsy medicine. The medicine may make your baby more sleepy than normal. Your healthcare provider may change your dose while you are breastfeeding. Breast milk may prevent infections or learning problems in your baby. These benefits may outweigh the risks of breastfeeding your baby while you take epilepsy medicine.

How can I care for myself during pregnancy?

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

When should I seek immediate care?

When should I call my neurologist or obstetrician?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.