If you suspect you have epilepsy, it’s recommended to consult with a doctor as soon as possible to confirm your diagnosis. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or you’ve been living with epilepsy for years, there are steps you can take to make sure your epilepsy is well-managed, which is especially important if you’re planning to get pregnant.
This section contains tools and information you and your healthcare team can use to help you manage your epilepsy and, if you choose, plan for a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Living with Epilepsy Topics
- Your Epilepsy Diagnosis: If you suspect you have epilepsy, contact your doctor. They will order standard diagnostic tests and review your medical history.
- Your Epilepsy Care Team: Build a healthcare team that can manage your epilepsy and your pregnancy with you, if you are planning pregnancy or are pregnant.
- Epilepsy & Birth Control: Work with your epilepsy care team to choose a form of birth control that works well with the anti-seizure medication (ASM) you’re taking. Staying on effective birth control is important because people with epilepsy should carefully plan pregnancies.
- Folic Acid & Other Supplements: Take folic acid throughout your child-bearing years. Taking folic acid can decrease your baby’s chances of having intellectual and/or behavioral challenges as they grow up. It can also lower the risk of certain birth defects.
- Anti-seizure Medications (ASMs) & Pregnancy: Choose an anti-seizure medication (ASM) that works best to maintain your seizure stability and is well-suited for pregnancy.
Related Topics
- Planning Your Pregnancy: Know that with careful planning, you can have a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth.
- Choosing an Obstetrician for Pregnancy Care: Factors you should consider when selecting an OB.