Other complications involving the placenta include early spontaneous rupture of the membranes and, conversely, an increased need to rupture the membranes artificially in order to begin delivery. The birth of a normal baby without birth defects is a primary concern for all parents. Since all drugs present a possible danger to a developing fetus, women with epilepsy who are taking anticonvulsants are understandably concerned that anticonvulsant medication may pose possible risks to their baby's development. To put birth defects into perspective, it is helpful to look at the statistics. Pregnant women who are controlling their seizures with anticonvulsants will have 6 to 10 chances in 100 of giving birth to a baby with a birth defect.
More serious complications can include cleft palates or congenital heart disease.
Both of these defects may be improved with surgery. Amniocentesis cannot usually detect any of these malformations. Therefore, prior to planned conception, women should consult with their physicians to reduce the number of anticonvulsants they take. Upon becoming pregnant, a woman may be tempted to stop taking medication in order to protect the baby from side effects. Stopping medication in this way poses a risk greater than the effects of the drugs themselves.