The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust has created a short animation to help women with epilepsy plan pregnancy.
Young women with epilepsy need to be knowledgeable about all aspects of their condition, treatment, and the potential influences on family life. This new animation gives young people with epilepsy appropriate information to support them in preparing for future pregnancy. The animation also highlights the importance of getting contraception right, and having preconception counselling before trying for a baby.
Dr Janine Winterbottom is an Advanced Nurse Specialist in epilepsy and led the project to create the animation. She said: “It’s so important that young people with epilepsy are knowledgeable about their condition and their options when it comes to planning to have children. This animation was made with the help of young people with epilepsy, and is a great signpost towards what steps to take.
“If you have epilepsy and want to have a baby, the first thing is to do is to speak with your epilepsy specialist. Preparation is everything, as it gives the opportunity to review your epilepsy and make any adjustments needed before you become pregnant.
“Some drugs such as Epilim or Valproate are higher risk, and need to be highlighted, and your epilepsy specialists can help you navigate the best course of action. It is important not to suddenly stop epilepsy medication as this can be dangerous and unnecessary. Speak to your epilepsy specialist early and they can help.
“The animation will hopefully give young people with epilepsy the confidence to talk to their nurse or GP and get the appropriate advice. Planning a family can be daunting enough without having to work around a neurological disorder like epilepsy. Your epilepsy team are there to help!”
The new animation sits alongside other materials the young people with epilepsy who took part in the Trophy Study helped to produce, including a leaflet and animation about the transition from child to adult services.
The study, led by Dr Winterbottom with Clinical Psychologist Jacqui Vinten, and Neurology Nurse Julie Lynch from The Walton Centre, aimed to explore the information needs of young people with epilepsy. The lack of information available out there for people with concerns about taking medication and getting pregnant was one of the key findings.
She added: “People who took part in the study, young women in particular, felt they needed more support and the animation is an appropriate media to introduce these important topics. We want reassure people that normal pregnancy is achievable alongside treating epilepsy.”
To watch the video, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp6sPeW6vzc