Women who have seizures are slightly more likely to develop preeclampsia (a type of high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy) and to have a stillbirth or a fetus who does not grow as much as expected. On the other hand, taking anticonvulsants increases the risk of birth defects (see Drug Use During Pregnancy: Some Drugs That Can Cause Problems During Pregnancy*) and may slightly reduce intelligence in the baby. Thus, women who have a seizure disorder should discuss how to balance the risks with an expert in the field, preferably before they become pregnant. Some women may be able to safely stop taking anticonvulsants during pregnancy, but most women should continue to take the drugs. The risk resulting from not taking the drugs—more frequent seizures, which can harm the fetus and the woman—usually outweighs the risks resulting from taking the drugs during pregnancy.

Last full review/revision December 2008 by Sean C. Blackwell, MD