Having a baby

Having a baby can be an exciting and joyful time. But for women with epilepsy, it can be a little more complicated. With the right knowledge and support, most women with epilepsy will have healthy pregnancies and babies.

On this page, we link you to our information on planning, having and looking after a baby.

Information about medicines

Some epilepsy medicines can cause problems if used during pregnancy. It’s important to be aware of the risks for your medicine and to get medical advice before making any changes to your treatment.

 

A selection of white, blue, yellow and red medical pills

Epilepsy medicines and pregnancy

A pregnant woman taking medicine

Sodium valproate risks in pregnancy

Looking after a baby when you have epilepsy

If you have seizures, you may need to do some extra planning around how to look after your baby safely once they arrive.

It’s also important to remember to take care of yourself! Read our guide for parents and carers via the link below

Find out more here

Useful organisations

Family Planning Association (FPA)
Information and advice about sexual health, contraception, planning a pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy

National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Information and advice about pregnancy, birth and parenting
Tel: 0300 330 0700

Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists
Factsheets on a wide range of topics related to pregnancy and birth

Epilepsy stories

Barbara’s story

Barbara shares her experiences of epilepsy, and how it related to her pregnancy journey.

Read Barbara’s story
Published: May 2022
Last modified: October 2023
To be reviewed: July 2023
Tracking: B112.11
Was this article helpful?
Hidden
Was this article helpful?

Here to support you

a graphic of a headset

Call the Epilepsy Action helpline

If you would like to talk to someone about epilepsy, our trained advisers are here to help.

0808 800 5050
A graphic of a email envolope

Send us your question

Send a question to our trained epilepsy advisers. (We aim to reply within two working days).

Contact us today