This information is for young people with epilepsy who are taking anti-seizure medication (meds). We talk about how your meds may affect contraception (birth control), planning a pregnancy and pregnancy.
Use this information as a general guide. Talk a health professional for more help.
On this page we use the words ‘woman’ and ‘women’. But this information is for everyone. Parents or carers might also find this information helpful, either now or for in the future.
Some anti-seizure meds may affect how well contraception (methods to stop getting pregnant) works. This may mean that you’re at risk of getting pregnant. If you’re using contraception, talk to your doctor about your choices.
If you’re taking anti-seizure meds for your epilepsy you may have questions or worries. For example, how the meds may affect your ability to have children (fertility). This is normal, especially if you’re starting to think about having a family. Or you know that you’d like children in the future.
Some anti-seizure meds can change hormone levels in your body, which can cause irregular menstrual cycles (periods). It can also sometimes cause polycystic ovary syndrome. This is a health problem which affects how women’s ovaries work. This may affect your fertility.
Let your doctor know if you’re planning a pregnancy. They may refer you to a specialist healthcare team. They will review your anti-seizure medication options and talk to you about which meds are suitable. If they don’t, it’s important to ask them. Talk to them about any worries you have.
If you’re planning a pregnancy, it’s important to carry on taking your meds as normal, unless your doctor tells you differently.
If you’re pregnant, it’s important to carry on taking your anti-seizure meds as normal. If you’re not sure, or you’re worried, talk to your doctor.
If you’re pregnant, your doctor may change the amount of anti-seizure meds you take. Or your doctor may ask to see you more regularly.
Most women with epilepsy have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. A specialist team will look after you and your baby during pregnancy. They are there to help and support you.
If you change the amount of anti-seizure meds you take during your pregnancy, your doctor may suggest making an antenatal (pre-birth) plan. This will help get you safely back to your normal dose soon after birth.
For young women who can have children, it may not be suitable to have the following anti-seizure meds:
If you take these meds during pregnancy, there is a risk that the baby’s health will be seriously affected.
Talk to your doctor if you’re planning a pregnancy. It’s usually better to make changes to your meds before you’re pregnant. They will go through your medication choices with you. And try to answer any questions you have.
Most women with epilepsy have safe births, but your doctor may recommend that you have your baby in a consultant-led maternity unit in hospital. This is a maternity department where you’ll be closely monitored by doctors during your birth.
While it is possible to have a seizure during your labour, if your epilepsy is well controlled, the risk is normally very low. But, during your labour you may feel tiredness, dehydration and pain. These can all increase your risk of having a seizure. So, it’s important to keep taking your anti-seizure medication as normal.
It’s always worth reminding your doctor or midwife that you’re taking anti-seizure meds. Just in case it’s unsafe to take with medication during labour.
Breastfeeding is safe for women taking anti-seizure meds. Babies who are breastfed by mums taking anti-seizure meds develop in the same way as babies who are not breastfed. Your midwife or infant feeding team at the hospital will offer you breastfeeding support.
NICE website
Up-to-date guidelines for children and young people with epilepsy.
Royal College of Obsetricians & Gynecologists
Information about planning a pregnancy, pregnancy and birth, for people who have epilepsy.
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Last updated December 2023.
We're currently reviewing this information. The next update will be 2026. If you would like to find out more about how we produce our information, or the sources of evidence we use, please contact us at healthinfo@youngepilepsy.org.uk
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