Use the checklist below to maximize chances of a safe pregnancy in Epilepsy!
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When done, click on “Save filled form”. Print the filled form, take it to your doctor and discuss it with him/her.
Or, you can click here to [download a blank PDF version].
Schedule:
Talk to your doctor at least 1 year before trying for pregnancy.
To avoid pregnancy:
Some seizure medications can cause oral contraceptives to fail. Use condoms.
Breakthrough seizures:
Try to be seizure-free for at least 1 year before getting pregnant.
If you are not seizure-free, talk to your doctor about Epilepsy surgery.
Heredity:
Understand that most children born to women with epilepsy, do NOT have epilepsy.
Discuss genetic testing with your doctor. (Usually, genetic testing is not advisable).
Teratogenicity:
Check if you are taking one of the more unsafe medications.
Ask your doctor: Can I be switched to one of the safer medications?
Ask your doctor: Can we try reducing the dose of my medication?
Ask your doctor: Can I take a lesser number of medications?
Ask your doctor: Should I take folic acid? (usually daily, higher dose, 1 month before pregnancy)
Fertility:
Once you start trying to get pregnant:
Get treatment for PCOD if needed. Get treatment for decreased libdio and/or partner impotence if needed.
If you have trouble getting pregnant: check if you are one of the medications that can reduce fertility.
During pregnancy:
Do not stop or change your seizure medications without asking your doctor!
After checking with your doctor, take folic acid for at least the first 3 months.
Inform your doctor immediately if you have a seizure, even a small one.
If your doctor tells you to, check the blood levels of your seizure medications .
Make sure your gynaecologist is comfortable with childbirth in epilepsy patients.
Childbirth:
Understand that most women with Epilepsy will have an uncomplicated childbirth.
Follow gynaecologist recommendations – including caesarean section if needed.
Breast Feeding:
Check if you are taking one of the “Least safe” or “Less safe” medications.
No matter which medication you are on, talk to the pediatrician before breast feeding.
I wish you the very best. May the almighty bless you and your family.
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Caution: This information is not a substitute for professional care. Do not change your medications/treatment without your doctor's permission. |
Dr. Siddharth KharkarDr. Siddharth Kharkar has been recognized as one of the best neurologists in Mumbai by Outlook India magazine and India today Magazine. He is a board certified (American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology certified) Neurologist. Dr. Siddharth Kharkar is a Epilepsy specialist in Mumbai & Parkinson's specialist in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He has trained in the best institutions in India, US and UK including KEM hospital in Mumbai, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), USA & Kings College in London. |