Women, girls and epilepsy

Some methods of contraception may be less effective in preventing pregnancy for women taking certain anti-seizure medication (ASM). This is because some ASMs affect how well methods of contraception work.

Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of seizures for some women with epilepsy.

Information about the risk of seizures and pain relief available for women with epilepsy during childbirth.

Epilepsy and taking anti-seizure medication (ASM) may contribute to the risk of developing osteoporosis for some people.

Changes in hormone levels means that epilepsy treatment may need to change through a woman’s life. In this section, when we refer to women, this also includes girls of childbearing age.

Most women with epilepsy do not have any change in their seizure frequency during pregnancy. However you might find that your seizures are better controlled during pregnancy, or that you have more seizures than is usual for you.

Most women with epilepsy will have a normal pregnancy and labour . However, women with epilepsy have a slightly higher chance of having a baby with a birth defect due to genetic conditions, injury during seizures and anti-seizure medication (ASM). Talk to your neurologist about how you can reduce the risk to your unborn baby.