Pregnancy and Epilepsy

For all the women out there living with Epilepsy and thinking of having a baby this is for you. We have all been told by our doctors that we would need to plan in advance and to be taken off some mediactions that might affect the unborn child. Unfortunately it's not as easy as people without medical conditions. The worrisome thoughts of wether your unborn child will get epilepsy, researchers have said that epileptic women that are pregnant have a 2-6% chance of having a baby with a birth defect. But taking the right precautions like taking folic aid folic acid before and during pregnancy can increase your baby’s health. Studies have shown that taking folic acid during the first three months of pregnancy decreases the risk of spinal bifida. The big question is can women with epilepsy breastfeed? Recearchers have said a large number of women with epilepsy are encouraged to breastfeed, because of the numerous benefits of breast milk for the baby. But always consult an doctor first.