For most women, becoming a mother is a blissful, exciting, and joyous journey. However, pregnancy comes with its own set of physiological and psychological challenges, which can be compounded when the expectant mother has epilepsy.
There are many misconceptions when it comes to pregnancy and motherhood. Dispelling these myths is crucial in helping women with epilepsy make informed decisions about their health and family planning. It is important to consult your doctor to understand the facts and ensure safe and effective treatment.
By taking the right steps, managing epilepsy during pregnancy can be safe, allowing women to enjoy the excitement of motherhood.
A number of myths about epilepsy and pregnancy, many of which we’ll address in this blog.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic and common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affecting around 50 million people worldwide. Seizures can vary greatly from person to person, with some experiencing mild muscle jerks, while others endure severe convulsions. In more than 50% of cases, a lack of oxygen supply to the brain is considered a primary cause. Other causes include:
- Brain injury
- Infections
- Tumors
- Genetic factors
Common symptoms of epileptic seizures include:
- Temporary confusion
- Staring spells
- Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness or awareness
- Feelings of fear, anxiety, or déjà vu
Now, let’s explore how epilepsy affects pregnancy and address some common myths about this condition.
Myth vs. Fact: Epilepsy and Pregnancy
Myth: It is difficult for a woman with epilepsy to get pregnant.
Fact: Women with epilepsy have the same chances of conceiving as healthy women unless there are additional factors like family history or other medical conditions that affect fertility.
Myth: The baby will inherit epilepsy from the mother.
Fact: While epilepsy has a genetic component, the chances of passing it to the baby are only about 5%. The risk may be slightly higher if the father also has epilepsy, but most children born to parents with epilepsy lead healthy, seizure-free lives.
Myth: Getting pregnant will increase seizure frequency.
Fact: Most women do not experience an increase in seizures during pregnancy, with some even reporting fewer episodes. However, factors like medication absorption, nausea, and sleep deprivation can trigger seizures.
Myth: A seizure during pregnancy will cause a miscarriage.
Fact: While a seizure can be dangerous, it does not necessarily lead to miscarriage. In rare cases, severe seizures may cause premature labor, but many women with epilepsy give birth to healthy babies.
Myth: Women with epilepsy must give birth via C-section.
Fact: Epilepsy does not automatically determine the mode of delivery. A natural birth is possible unless seizures occur repeatedly during labor, in which case a C-section may be recommended.
Myth: Women with epilepsy cannot breastfeed.
Fact: Breastfeeding is safe for most women with epilepsy. Only certain medications (like phenobarbital and lorazepam) may pose risks and require special precautions.
How Does Epilepsy Affect Pregnancy?
Pregnancy can alter how the body responds to anti-epileptic medications, potentially increasing the risk of seizures. Hormonal changes, stress, nausea, and fatigue may also contribute to increased seizure frequency. However, with proper medical guidance and regular monitoring, many women manage their epilepsy effectively throughout pregnancy.
Does Epilepsy Change During Pregnancy?
Each woman’s experience with epilepsy during pregnancy is different. Some women may notice no change in seizure frequency, while others could experience an increase or decrease. It is crucial for pregnant women with epilepsy to maintain a close relationship with their healthcare team to adjust medications as needed.
Epilepsy and Miscarriage: What You Should Know
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal seizures) can pose risks during pregnancy, including falls or reduced oxygen to the fetus, which may lead to rare complications like miscarriage or preterm labor. However, with careful management and regular check-ups, the risks can be significantly reduced. Women with epilepsy who closely follow treatment plans and maintain regular communication with their neurologist and obstetrician often experience healthy pregnancies comparable to those without the condition.
Pregnant women with epilepsy should also avoid seizure triggers such as lack of sleep, high stress, and missed doses of medication. While epilepsy does not inherently lead to miscarriage, careful management of the condition is vital to minimize risks and ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome. Injuries sustained during seizures, such as falls, can pose risks to the fetus. It is essential for pregnant women to manage their condition closely to minimize such risks.
Staying proactive and positive ensures a smoother, safer pregnancy journey for both mother and baby.
How Should an Epileptic Person Prepare for Pregnancy?
- Consultation with Doctors: Women with epilepsy should work closely with their gynecologist and neurologist to adjust medications and monitor seizure activity throughout pregnancy.
- Medication Management: It’s crucial to ensure anti-epileptic drugs are safe for both mother and baby, and adjust dosages if necessary.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Managing stress, ensuring adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet are all important factors in reducing seizure risk during pregnancy.
Treatment Options
Epilepsy management during pregnancy can include a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgical options. Plexus Neuro and Stem Cell Research Centre’s Epilepsy Clinic provides comprehensive, individualized care for managing epilepsy in patients of all ages. Under the leadership of Dr. Na’eem Sadiq, the clinic aims to help patients achieve seizure control through a combination of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and lifestyle modifications. The clinic focuses on minimizing medication dependency, reducing the side effects of long-term drug use, and improving patients’ quality of life.
For those who do not respond to conventional treatments, Plexus offers alternative therapies, such as Stem Cell Therapy, which has shown promise in reducing seizure frequency and severity. This cutting-edge treatment is offered in addition to traditional methods, providing hope for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy. The goal is to help patients achieve long-term seizure control and potentially even reduce their need for medication over time.
Our treatment approach also includes holistic care, ensuring that patients are equipped to manage the mental and emotional aspects of living with epilepsy. We closely monitor each patient’s response to treatment, adjusting the approach as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.
By utilizing a blend of modern and alternative therapies, we aim to offer relief for expectant mothers struggling with epilepsy. The center’s innovative methods and patient-centric approach have made it a renowned destination for epilepsy treatment in India.
For more information, visit Plexus Epilepsy Clinic.
Facts About Epilepsy
- Epilepsy affects around 50 million people worldwide.
- There are multiple types of seizures, ranging from mild to severe.
- Epilepsy can have a genetic component, but not all children inherit it.
- Seizures can be triggered by lack of sleep, stress, or missed medications.
- Anti-epileptic medications may require adjustment during pregnancy.
- Epilepsy can be managed successfully with the right medical care.
- Most women with epilepsy give birth to healthy babies.
- Epilepsy does not automatically mean a woman will need a C-section.
- Breastfeeding is usually safe for mothers with epilepsy.
If you wish to know more about Plexus’ epilepsy clinic, do reach out to Team Plexus today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
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FAQs
What is the relationship between seizures and pregnancy?
Pregnancy can affect seizure frequency due to hormonal changes, medication absorption, and stress. Some women experience more seizures, while others see no change or fewer episodes. Proper medical management ensures a safer pregnancy for women with epilepsy.
What causes epilepsy during pregnancy?
Epilepsy during pregnancy isn’t caused by pregnancy itself. However, hormonal changes, altered medication absorption, stress, and sleep disturbances can trigger more frequent seizures in some pregnant women, necessitating close monitoring and potential adjustments in treatment.
Can a woman with epilepsy get pregnant?
Yes, women with epilepsy can conceive just like women without the condition. Epilepsy generally doesn’t affect fertility, and with proper medical guidance, many women with epilepsy have healthy pregnancies and babies.
Can epilepsy be passed to the baby?
Epilepsy can be inherited, but the risk is low, around 5%. The chances slightly increase if both parents have epilepsy. Most children born to parents with epilepsy do not inherit the condition or experience manageable seizures.
What is the root cause of epilepsy?
Epilepsy arises from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Causes include brain injuries, infections, tumors, genetic factors, or oxygen deprivation. In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown, but it can be managed with proper treatment.
