Epilepsy and pregnancy

[*LittleMissSummer*]

I am asking on behalf of my sister.

She has epilepsy, she was diagnosed when she was 9yrs old. She stopped taking her medication a few years ago and in the last 6 months she was having a seizure every couple of days so she was put back on the medication. She since fell pregnant.

She did the test, confirmed by blood test the doctor said the HCG level was low for how far along she was. She was then ordered more bloods. This is where it gets frustrating. She hasnt been back to the doctor, she said she doesnt know what her due date is but the doctor referred her to a specialist for her epilepsy and get her meds changed becaus the one she is on currently can cause fetal defects and cause irreversable damage.

I have told her many times to see her GP and get an ultrasound but she wants to wait to see the specialist but thats not until next month. I find it really odd that this doctor would prolong her getting of the meds and having an ultrasound. By the dates she has given me is she should be 10 weeks and if there is something already wrong with the baby caused by the meds she will be in the 2nd trimester already.

I was wondering if someone had any advice or some insight if this is the correct way to do things.

[~clover~]

My aunt is epileptic & has 2 children. From memory she gave up her license & went off medication to have her kids.
She had them about 18 months apart & didn't breast feed so she could go straight back on her meds after the babies were born. Sorry, I don't know any more than that.

Maybe your sister could ask the specialist receptionist if she can be put on a cancellation waiting list, so she might be able to get a sooner appointment.

[HotI]

if your sister is taking medications, particularly if she takes valproate (Depakote or Depakene) which is a common epilepsy drug, it is important to see a dr to discuss the pros and cons of staying on the medication.

valproate can cause cardiovascular or neural tube issues in the unborn baby, meural tube issues occur in about 1% of pregnancies where mums are on valproate. these often won't be detected until 2nd tri.

maybe the gp has checked her meds and they are ok to stay on during pregnancy, and the specialist appt is just to double check.

[*LittleMissSummer*]

if your sister is taking medications, particularly if she takes valproate (Depakote or Depakene) which is a common epilepsy drug, it is important to see a dr to discuss the pros and cons of staying on the medication.

valproate can cause cardiovascular or neural tube issues in the unborn baby, meural tube issues occur in about 1% of pregnancies where mums are on valproate. these often won't be detected until 2nd tri.

maybe the gp has checked her meds and they are ok to stay on during pregnancy, and the specialist appt is just to double check.

As far as i am aware she is on Tegretol which i believe is not safe for most women to take whilst pregnant. I'm just concerned that the doctor she saw isn't taking her condition seriously. She's told me that the specialist appt is to change the meds.