It’s a topic that frankly is tough to discuss when it comes to living with Epilepsy…

getting pregnant when you have Epilepsy. I know...sort of taboo with a lot of us, but trust me, if you are a woman (or a man for that matter) and you are thinking of becoming a parent, it's something you need to address.



Did you know that the fertility rate in women who have Epilepsy is up to 35 percent lower than women who don't have Epilepsy? But, I think we are up to the challenge!



I love the stories people who read my blog, http://www.brainthunders.com email me with, they just prove that when it comes to bearing children, those of us with Epilepsy have courage, strength and spirit!



This is from Samantha... "After 22 years of medication trials I was diagnosed with Refractory epilepsy, an uncontrollable (by medication) form of Epilepsy.  They basically gave me two options: have surgery or be uncontrolled and have seizures for the rest of my life.  I then decided to go in for the testing, and it was tedious and very scary.  When they told me I was a candidate for surgery, I was not only excited but I was strait up scared! They are going to cut my brain open? It then became a reality!  I went in and had four surgeries and that was almost two years ago. Six months later I was able to get pregnant and today I have a healthy 7 month old son and I am seizure free."



How brave! And, the fact that she was able to have a child is even more evidence of her strength and perseverance.



If you're like me, and you have a child...you worry every day about having passed your disease to your child during pregnancy. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't worry about Hayden , my daughter who is now 4 1/2. Each time she stops talking (rare!) I pounce on her to make sure it's not a seizure. But, I must remember that I did all the right things when it came to getting pregnant.



My daughter, Hayden Mengason, 2 days old



I'm not a doctor, but I can tell you this...if you are thinking of having a child, make sure you tell your neurologist/epileptologist. You'll begin to read and hear terms like 'Major Malformations' and 'Minor Anomalies', which are indeed risks. You must make sure you are on the right anti-seizure medication for the health of your pregnancy.



Me...believe it or not, I took Topamax throughout my pregnancy. And, I was the healthiest I've been during this journey with Epilepsy. BUT, Topamax isn't right for everyone, as we know. Folic Acid is of the utmost importance! He/she can prescribe the proper dosage.



I would also recommend registering with the AED Pregnancy Registry at Mass General Hospital. If we can contribute to research, all the better. Also, take care of yourself during your pregnancy and make every effort to prevent seizures. You know your triggers; certain foods, stress, loud noises, lack of physical activity...whatever they are, try to avoid those situations. Make sure you follow doctor's orders. If you must see a specialist, make the effort. There are some fantastic high-risk groups out there. Trust me (and for that matter, Samantha)...it's incredibly worth it in the end!

My daughter, Hayden Mengason, 4 years



Alysse Mengason blogs at Brain Thunders.com