Pregnancy and Epilepsy: What You Need to Know

For people with epilepsy, the decision to have a baby is a major one. It’s important to know how pregnancy can affect your symptoms and what you need to do to keep yourself safe. Read on for more information about pregnancy and epilepsy.

How Pregnancy Can Affect Epilepsy Symptoms

For some women, pregnancy can actually improve seizure control—but it can also worsen seizures in others. During pregnancy, hormones in the body change rapidly, which can lead to an increase or decrease in seizure activity. Because of this, it’s important that you closely monitor your seizures throughout your pregnancy and talk to your doctor if anything changes. Your doctor may recommend adjusting medication dosages during this time as well.

Protecting Yourself During Pregnancy

If you have epilepsy, there are steps you can take to ensure a safe pregnancy for both you and your baby. Here are some tips:

• Take all medications as prescribed by your doctor; never adjust dosages without consulting them first
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; avoid processed foods whenever possible
• Get regular exercise; even light activities such as walking or swimming can help keep seizure activity under control
• Get plenty of rest; fatigue is one of the most common triggers of seizures so make sure you get enough sleep each night
• Avoid stress as much as possible; try relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation when needed

These tips should help reduce the risk of seizures during pregnancy and keep both mother and baby healthy.

Pregnancy is a major life event for anyone—and that’s especially true for those with epilepsy. By following these tips and talking to your doctor regularly, you can make sure that both you and your baby remain healthy throughout the course of your pregnancy. With proper planning and preparation, having a child while managing epilepsy is entirely possible—you just need the right team behind you!