I have talked to my doctor and she said that many women with Epilepsy have normal births. My concern is with the meds that I am taking. Doctor said it would have to be monitored very closely. But I just can't get pass the birth effects that the baby might have, like brain damage and heart problems. The last thing I want to do is hurt my baby. And I want to be able to breastfeed. Are there any alternative natural methods? Any suggestions?
2007-05-03 15:56:05 · 2 answers · asked by QTPie 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I don't know anything about cerebral palsy and pregnancy...so I can't help you on that factor.
As for epilepsy...there has been a ton of research on Lamictal. While there are possible side effects the most common one is the possibility of a cleft pallet. While not desirable it is fixable. I think having a seizure during pregnancy would be worse for the baby. I am in my 7th month. I have taken Lamictal throughout my pregnancy and so far there is no sign that anything is wrong with him. I did do the amnio and the sonogram to check possible side effects. If something had been wrong I am sure I would have been devastated but I did a lot of research on my own and think I made the safest choice possible. Try www.medscape.com. Or you can even search for neurological journals and search their databases for epilepsy medications and pregnancy.
If you do get pregnant while taking meds make sure you have a doctor that knows how to monitor you. As your blood volume increases your blood serum levels drop and the medication has to be increased to compensate for this.
2007-05-03 16:25:27 · answer #1 · answered by moongoddess209 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although there have been some birth defects (some affecting the brain, some just physical) linked with anti-seizure medication, it is still suggested that you stay on the medications even when you are pregnant. If you have a seizure it could be very dangerous to you and the baby.
2007-05-03 23:00:01 · answer #2 · answered by Melissa 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋