The Risks of Pregnancy When You Have Epilepsy

Many women that I spoke to who have epilepsy are worried that there may be a risk to them if they become pregnant. I have also read many articles with women stating the same concerns. Women with epilepsy who become pregnant have a higher risk for complications rather than women who don't have epilepsy. Some of the complications include the chance that you may have more seizures during your pregnancy. Having more seizures can cause you to become sleepy, fall and there is the possibility that you can have a serious injury. But then I look at it like this; when you have a seizure usually one of the most common after affects is that you become sleepy, anytime you have seizures there always is the chance of injury. Let's not forget when I had my three pregnancies each pregnancy the amount of seizures I had decreased.

When you are pregnant, your body processes your anti-seizure medicines differently. This can lead to medicine levels that are too high (which can cause side effects) or too low (which can mean more seizures). Usually when you gain weight during your pregnancy; your blood levels will become lower. Your neurologist will probably have to higher your dosage so you don��t have any unnecessary seizures.

Most women with epilepsy do not see any change in the amount of seizures they have during their pregnancy. Pregnant women who see an increase in their seizures, it is generally associated with not taking anti-seizure medication as the doctor prescribes. Epilepsy may also occur for the first time in pregnancy. Some women have better controlled seizures during pregnancy and this can be due to many reasons.