More than one million women and girls in the United States are living with seizure disorders. They face many unique challenges, from changes during the monthly cycle which may trigger seizures to concerns regarding pregnancy. Social factors leave them vulnerable to discrimination and abuse. Yet their plight and the manner in which they are affected has been largely ignored. As an important part of the Epilepsy Foundation's role in advocating for all people with epilepsy, we are committed to addressing the unique health concerns of women with epilepsy.
Epilepsy affects people in different ways.
Some parents will have to make several changes in their lives to provide a safe environment for the baby. Others will need to make very few changes. Every prospective parent has issues to think through when preparing for a child. There may be additional factors for people with epilepsy to consider, especially when the mother has seizures. Many questions are discussed in this information sheet, including breastfeeding safety, the best way to diaper a baby, and how to keep the baby safe during a mother's seizure.