Anxiety A Common Problem for Pregnant Women With Epilepsy

Posted: December 27, 2002

Although a pregnant woman may be excited about welcoming her new arrival, a certain amount of worry comes with every pregnancy.

But since pregnant women with epilepsy often continue to take medicines for their seizures, they may be prone to increased levels of anxiety about the effect of their medicine on their babies.

In fact, some women become so concerned that they may stop or lower their medicine without their doctor's approval. This can make seizures worse.

Anxiety surrounding pregnancy is best countered by the firm reassurance that most women with epilepsy have successful pregnancies.

Chances of having a normal, healthy child are excellent-greater than 90 percent. Taking vitamins with folic acid prior to and throughout pregnancy reduces the risk of certain kinds of birth defects.

Another source of anxiety is the worry about the risk of the child developing epilepsy later in life. But only a small percentage of adult-onset epilepsies are familial; others are acquired, even though a specific cause may not be known.

After the baby is born, women with epilepsy may worry about breastfeeding. Many anti-epileptic medicines are not delivered to the infant in sufficient amounts to be of concern.

Anxiety about the safe care of the newborn is also very common. Some women tend to worry they may have a seizure while holding the baby. Taking a few precautions may help lessen anxiety.

Tips for Safe Baby Care

• Check your medicine blood levels frequently in the first few months after delivery to ensure good seizure control.
• Include other family members and friends in the care of your baby.
• Feed your baby while seated comfortably with good back support.
• Diaper your baby on the floor with a changing pad.
• Keep infant care supplies on every level of the house to limit stair climbing.
• Use an "umbrella stroller" in the house instead of carrying your baby.

Visit the Women and Epilepsy Initiative for more information.