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Epilepsy and Women’s Reproductive Health: The Importance of Family Planning

PROGRAM DETAILS:

Pregnancy and epilepsy can be a controversial topic, but what most people don't realize is that more than 90 percent of pregnant women with epilepsy give birth to normal, healthy babies. In this program, you'll meet a woman who did just that. You'll also hear from two leading experts, Dr. Elizabeth Gerard and Dr. Catherine Stika, from Northwestern Memorial Hospital as they discuss pregnancy and conception in women with epilepsy.

Kelly is 29-years-old and recently gave birth to a healthy baby girl. When Kelly was 11-years-old she was diagnosed with epilepsy. With medication, Kelly achieved good control of her seizures. After Kelly was married and decided to have children, she worked closely with her doctors to manage her medications, and her pregnancy in order to have the best outcome. To quote Dr. Gerard, “She's one of the patients that's very rewarding to work with. She's very well informed, asks good questions and keeps us informed of her progress, and she felt very strongly about letting other women know, you know, that this is possible.”

Dr. Gerard and Dr. Stika both speak in-depth about seizure medications during pregnancy. They talk about the effects of hormonal changes and why it is necessary to be followed closely. Like all pregnancies, planning is important but so is contraception. Drs. Gerard and Stika stress the need for preventing unplanned pregnancies in those with epilepsy and how most forms of contraception are affected by anti-seizure medications. This program provides a wealth of information and advice for safe and healthy pregnancies with epilepsy, listen now.

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
Elizabeth Gerard, M.D. Elizabeth Gerard, M.D.
Epileptologist, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Dr. Elizabeth Gerard is an epileptologist on the medical staff of Northwestern Memorial and assistant professor of Neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. more >

Catherine Stika, M.D. Catherine Stika, M.D.
Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Dr. Catherine Stika is an obstetrician and gynecologist with training in clinical pharmacology on the medical staff of Northwestern Memorial and associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University. more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Introduction LISTEN
  2. Kelly’s Story: Pregnancy LISTEN
  3. Anti-Seizure Medications during pregnancy LISTEN
  4. The Importance of Planning LISTEN
  5. Contraception LISTEN
  6. Hormonal Changes: Monitoring and Adjusting Medication LISTEN
  7. Advice for a Safe Pregnancy and Healthy Baby LISTEN
  8. Seeking Specialty Care LISTEN
  9. Listener Questions LISTEN
  10. Closing Comments LISTEN

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