#SafeMumSafeBaby
Epilepsy Society is calling for safer epilepsy medication in pregnancy.
Safe Mum, Safe Baby is a campaign to raise awareness of the risks many epilepsy drugs pose to babies during pregnancy.
We are calling on the Government to fund research into safer epilepsy medication so that babies will not be born with preventable disabilities caused by their mothers' life-saving drugs.
Read blogs and personal stories from people with epilepsy who are affected by the issue, and read our latest updates below.
(Please note that the photographs used in the above campaign imagery are iStock images)
"Every time I felt the baby kick inside me, I started crying. I loved this baby so much but was trying not to love him too much as I knew I might lose him."
The review
A review has shown that some of the most commonly prescribed epilepsy medications can pose an increased risk for babies during pregnancy.
While lamotrigine and levetiracetam have been shown to be the safest medications during pregnancy, data has highlighted an increased risk with many other medications.
It is well known that valproate carries a high risk of harm to any baby exposed to it during pregnancy, but a report from the Commission on Human Medicines has also shown that there are risks linked to other drugs including carbamazepine, topiramate, phenytoin and phenobarbital.
You can read the full review here.
Please note, you should never stop taking or make changes to your medication without consulting your doctor. To talk this information through, please call our helpline team on 01494 601 400 or email helpline@epilepsysociety.org.uk (open Mon - Fri 9-4pm and Weds 9-7.30pm).
"...The only thing that stands between research and knowledge is funding. We hope that the government will respond to our campaign and help to ensure the health and happiness of future generations of children and their families.”
Nicola Swanborough, Head of External Affairs at the Epilepsy Society
Blogs and personal stories
Read people's experiences of epilepsy medications in pregnancy and how this has impacted their family or their decision to have children.
Chloe's story
subtitle: #SafeMumSafeBaby
Chloe Hambling experienced seizures in her recent pregnancy and felt anxious and concerned about her baby’s health. She is now eager to raise awareness of epilepsy and to ensure more research is undertaken to develop safer drugs for other pregnant women with the condition.
Jade's story
subtitle: #SafeMumSafeBaby
Jade Davies worries about whether her son's health problems may have been caused by her epilepsy medication, even though the drugs she was taking during pregnancy are considered to have a safer profile.
The challenge of becoming a mum with epilepsy
Lyndsey, 26, describes the impact that her epilepsy has had on her and her little boy, Caelan, and explains why she and her partner have opted for genetic screening before having a second baby by IVF.
Chantel's story
subtitle: #SafeMumSafeBaby
Chantel Reeves was taking the epilepsy medication, carbamazepine when she discovered she was pregnant. Here she relives her anxieties about how it might harm her baby and why she is backing our Safe Mum, Safe Baby campaign.
Yasmin's story
subtitle: #SafeMumSafeBaby
Yasmin Golding is 26 and relies on a combination of three epilepsy medications to help control her seizures. But she worries about the health risk that the drugs could pose to any baby during pregnancy, should she decide to start a family.
Laura's story
subtitle: #SafeMumSafeBaby
Laura Moore, 22, has been taking sodium valproate since the age of 15. The medication has enabled her to get on with her life but she knows that if she wants to start a family it will pose a serious risk to any baby during pregnancy. Here she discusses the challenges she faces and questions why she wasn’t given more treatment options when she was first diagnosed.
The challenge of refusing a drug that could control your seizures but endanger a child
Lauren Sutton talks about her struggle not to become reliant on a medication that could control her seizures but that would pose real risks for any future unborn children.
“The drugs make me feel very tired and I am exhausted just existing...And if I had a child with disabilities caused by my medication that would be even more exhausting. Either way, the risks are very scary for either me or a baby.”
Latest updates
Epilepsy Society welcomes redress scheme for valproate victims but says research is also vital
Today, Patient Safety Commissioner, Dr Henrietta Hughes, launched The Hughes Report calling for redress for all those harmed by valproate. The Epilepsy Society has warmly welcomed Dr Hughes' recommendations but warned that research into other epilepsy medications is also vital to stop history from repeating itself with other drugs.
Report exploring the impacts of some anti-seizure medicines in pregnancy attracts strong support at parliamentary launch
Report exploring the impacts of some anti-seizure medicines in pregnancy attracts strong support at parliamentary launch
Petition presented to Patient Safety Commissioner
In one of her first official meetings, the newly appointed Patient Safety Commissioner was presented with the Safe Mum, Safe Baby petition by a young woman with epilepsy.
New safety review into topiramate (Topamax)
A new safety review is being launched into the epilepsy medication topiramate. The drug (brand name Topamax) is already known to be associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations and effects on fetal growth when taken during pregnancy.
Pregabalin - new warnings of increased risks for unborn baby during pregnancy
Women with epilepsy who are taking pregabalin are warned that the medication could increase risk of physical harm for a baby during pregnancy and are advised to consult their doctor. It is important never to stop taking your medication without seeking medical advice first.
MPs call on government to back #SafeMumSafeBaby campaign
Last night, in the House of Commons, Emma Hardy MP called on the government to back the Epilepsy Society’s campaign for funding into vital research into safer epilepsy medications during pregnancy.
Why we must not let history repeat itself
A year after Baroness Cumberlege published her damning report into the health service, Nicola Swanborough, our Head of External Affairs, explains why history must not be allowed to repeat itself.
Roundtable Baby Shower backs Safe Mum, Safe Baby campaign
MPs, scientists and clinicians today backed Epilepsy Society’s call for the government to stop babies from being born with preventable disabilities, by investing more money into urgent research.
Safe Mum, Safe Baby: Write to your MP
We are asking you to write to your local MP, calling for their support for safer medicines for pregnant women with epilepsy.
Epilepsy Society welcomes new registry but calls for expansion
The Epilepsy Society has welcomed the publication of data from a new valproate registry but called for it to be expanded to include all anti-epilepsy drugs.
Letter of support for reviewing treatment options for women and girls
Following publication of a review highlighting the risks linked to some epilepsy medications during pregnancy, our Medical Director, Professor Ley Sander, has written a letter to support women and girls requesting a review of their medication and an urgent referral to a neurologist if they are planning to become pregnant.
Epilepsy Society launches 'Safe Mum, Safe Baby' campaign
Epilepsy Society is launching a new campaign - ‘Safe Mum, Safe Baby’ - calling for safer epilepsy medications in pregnancy.
Review looks at risks associated with epilepsy drugs during pregnancy
A new review has been published looking at risks associated with the most commonly prescribed anti-epileptic medications during pregnancy.