Most people are diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age. This does not mean that it can’t develop later in life, but the odds are slim. Epileptic seizures can be dangerous for the body though everything occurs in the brain. A person experiencing seizures can lose consciousness and have no control of their body. See how this could be a problem if you are epileptic and pregnant?
The Effect of Pregnancy on Epilepsy
No one can really determine what a pregnancy can do to an epileptic condition. Here are the possibilities:
- No seizures
- Regular number of seizures
- An increase in seizures
See, what I mean? There is no way to tell. That is why you need to be better safe than sorry.
Never forget that pregnancies put a lot of stress on your body. Your entire body feels it. Your hormone levels change dramatically. Your heart is being asked to do more work than ever before. Your neurological system is feeling the strain. Having a baby is not for the weak. It is a hard job. Having epilepsy makes it a little bit harder.
Precautions during Pregnancy
If you have epilepsy, you need to make sure that you have a medical ID bracelet or other way for someone to know exactly what is wrong if you do have an attack. If you seem to be having quite a few seizures during your pregnancy, it might be wise to remove objects in your home that you could hurt yourself with if you had a seizure and to have someone nearby at all times to help protect you and your baby.
Epileptic Treatment
When pregnancy is not involved, there are various drugs that are used to treat seizures. The number of drugs available increases every year as does the risks that come with them. These risks increase when pregnancy enters the picture.
These drugs can cause birth defects and problems in the mother. Your doctor has to work with you every step of the way when it comes to treating your epilepsy. The right drugs have to be chosen at the right dose so that both you and your baby get more of the benefits and less of the risks.
You’ll be working closely with your obstetrician and a neurologist. You and your baby will be checked regularly as well as the effects of the medication you are on. You might be completely taken off meds, given new meds, or only have your doses changed. You can’t make this call. Your doctor should do this. He should have the knowledge to know what is safest for you and your baby.
Treating your epilepsy during your pregnancy is one of the riskiest times. But labor can be just as risky.
The Risks of Labor
Carrying a baby causes excess stress on your body. Giving birth puts even more stress on your body. What does this mean? It means a higher chance of having a seizure while giving birth. It’s not extremely common, but it does happen. That is why you’ll need the right professionals who know what they are doing on call when you deliver your baby. They will be right there with you monitoring you and your baby.
After your baby is born, they will continue to monitor you closely as your body adjusts to the changes. Some effects can be delayed. They will also be monitoring your baby for any effects that might have been passed on. Many doctors could put you immediately back on your old meds or make other changes based on if you will be breastfeeding or not.
Articles related to pregnancy you might want to read:
What Foods to Avoid While Pregnant
10 Tips for Exercises While Pregnant
Highly recommended products for your pregnancy:
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