Epilepsy & Pregnancy: Understanding Seizures During Pregnancy

Question
My wife has had epileptic seizures (very small and short seizures) in the past. She's been on medication for a year and since she's gotten pregnant she's stopped the medication and hasn't had any problems since the time she went on medication. She's been pregnant for 36 weeks now.The baby is due shortly. Can we expect any seizures during prgnancy and if so what can be done about it or to prevent it?

Answer
Dear Roy,
During this time of her pregnancy she will begin visiting the doctor every week or so depending on the doctors policy on this. Most doctors require a woman to make weekly visits, especially women with prior known complications. During the next visit you and your wife should ask the doctor what his/her policy is, as far as during labor, on delivery with a woman who has known seizure activity in the past. Some will ask that your wife deliver in a room that is more of a surgical room rather than the private birthing suites we are becoming to used to nowadays. The reason for this is if your wife were to go into a seizure during birth, which can happen even when the activity has stopped during the pregnancy, they are ready to deliver the baby by c-section. This is done so the baby will not become stressed or be without oxygen during the seizure. Also my doctor kept medication that would stop the seizure were it to happen, I am not sure of what the medication was to be honest, but I trusted her to know what to do. Also the doctors kept a pediatric specialist on site in case of emergency and this helped me tremendously to know this during my birthing process.

So in conclusion it would be my suggestion that you and your wife ask for detailed information on what the doctor feels are your wifes chances of having a seizure during birth or labor and also what precautions he/she would take to protect your wife and child in the event that she were to go into a seizure during birth or labor. Don't be afraid to ask doctors questions, especially the OB/Gyns, they are accustomed to the questions, if your don't ask they wont answer, and it is your right and responsibility to do so as a patient or loved one of a patient. They are dealing with a very important part of our society in the fact that they are in charge of delivering the future of our society. Most every OB doctor I have met has been compassionate and informative if I only asked the questions. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck and congratulations to you and your wife and family on your little miracle.

God Bless,

Dawn