Taking medication during pregnancy is always worrying but for some of us we have no choice which is why it is so important we have all the facts so we can make informed decisions.
I feel lucky that I was put on the safer drugs that carry the lowest risks in pregnancy and as a concequence it seems I have 2 healthy children.
But Epilim has been found to carry much greater risks both with birth defects and neurodevelopment problems in children so why has it taken 40 years for this information to come out especially as ot was known when the drug was first licenced.
Now don't get me wrong I don't think Epilim should be band in women as I have friends who nothing else works for who don't want children. I don't think they should have to suffer with seizures and having a family is a person choice it's not what everyone wants so it shouldn't be presumed everyone wants kids.
But what is important isgirls and women are not put on Epilim as a first line drug and also the risk to a baby is made clear and effective contraception is given.
It's crucial women with epilepsy are given all the information and nothing is hidden from them so they can make truly informed decisions. That's why it's so good to see it in the papers - just hope all the truth comes out now about all the drugs.
If you want more information about the drug you are on then you can contact the UK epilepsy pregnancy register. It's also crucial to register with them if you are pregnant to make sure we have the best data on birth defects and how these drugs effect our children. Find out more here:
www.epilepsyandpregnancy.co.uk
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