Exposure to Antiepileptic Drug in Womb Linked to Autism Risk

I had a friend with epilepsy who didn't take medication for it. She died in her sleep when she had a seizure and chocked on her own vomit. So if you are a woman of child-bearing age with epilepsy, please read the whole article at the following link, and if necessary consult with your doctor over the best medication.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130131084651.htm

Jan. 30, 2013 — Children whose mothers take the antiepileptic drug sodium valproate while pregnant are at significantly increased risk of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, suggests a small study published online in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

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those children whose mums had taken valproate singly or in combination with other drugs while pregnant were significantly more likely to have been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental condition than were those whose mums taking other drugs to treat their condition.

When all the figures were analysed and factors likely to influence the results accounted for, the findings showed that children exposed to valproate alone in the womb were six times more likely to be diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder. Those exposed to valproate plus other drugs were 10 times more likely to do so than were children whose mums did not have the condition.

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The authors point out that other research has pointed to the potentially harmful effects of valproate on the developing fetus, and that the findings of the current study back other preliminary research. But further research would be needed before definitive conclusions could be reached, they caution.

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"But on no account should pregnant women just stop taking the drug for fear of harming their developing child," urge the authors.