Women need to be able to make fully informed choices

Seizure control is vital to the physical and emotional wellbeing of people with epilepsy and sodium valproate has proven to be a highly effective drug in controlling seizures.

For some women with epilepsy, sodium valproate may be the only drug which controls their seizures and, for them, the choice of whether or not to take it can be a difficult one.

However, it should be a fully informed choice, where they are empowered with the facts and supported to balance or mitigate risks where possible.

That said, the risks associated with this medication for women of child-bearing age must be clearly communicated and managed. We need a more systematic way of identifying women at risk.

The implementation of a national epilepsy database, which documents everyone with epilepsy in Scotland, could provide the infrastructure to aid clinicians to identify and better manage the health of women with epilepsy when they become pregnant.

No one should stop taking anti-epilepsy medication without first seeking advice from their neurologist or specialist nurse.

For people who are considering starting a family, it is vital you seek pre-conception counselling. For those who are pregnant and are unsure about your medication, seek advice from your epilepsy specialist.