I am an Epilepsy Specialist Midwife. I conduct a Tuesday 2 weekly clinic for women with epilepsy at Royal Hampshire County Hospital.

In Southampton, I am employed as a Sapphire Specialist Epilepsy Nurse and have established a community service for Southampton City PCT for adults with epilepsy over 16 years with a SCPCT GP. I am based at the Western Community Hospital and conduct clinics at the Quay to Health Clinic, The Quays; Bitterne Park Medical Centre, Thorold Rd; Thornhill Clinic, Pepys Avenue and the Western Community HospitaL.

As well as having a Professional Diploma in Epilepsy, I am a non medical prescriber specialising in the management of anti-epileptic drug treatment. I have vast experience in caring for women of child-bearing potential with epilepsy. I am also one of the working party of specialist nurses and midwives working with Epilepsy Action publishing an obstetric resource pack for obstetricians and midwives throughout the UK which can be downloaded by clicking this link http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/campaigns/awareness/mothersinmind.html 

I have a specialist interest in the effects of antiepileptic drugs taken in pregnancy and reducing the effects of these drugs to the developing fetus, with a recent publication in the British Midwifery Journal (BMJ). By providing optimal pre-conceptual care, epilepsy diagnosis can be reviewed, appropriate specialist referral can be made, treatment choices discussed and appropriate medication can be prescribed dependant on epilepsy type or syndrome. Seizures can be stabilised and pertinent issues such as fertility, contraception, safety, screening tests and future parenting can be discussed, as well as the provision of essential information for anyone who has epilepsy.  

My aim is for you to embark on your planned pregnancy with optimal seizure control to reduce your risk of unprotected seizures. Your epilepsy treatment will be dependant upon your seizure type and stability of seizures. If you are on medication we would aim for you to be on the most suitable drug for your seizure type, preferably whilst taking only one type of anti-epileptic drug at the dosage that is most likely to control your seizures.

You should never stop taking your medication unless your epilepsy has been reviewed by a specialist and the decision you have made is an informed one. If this is the case, an individualised plan will be made for a gradual withdrawal of medication to reduce the risk of a seizure occurring as a result of sudden drop in your blood drug levels before you plan pregnancy.

Ideally, you can ask your GP for a referral to this specialist service, alternatively, you can contact me directly and I will arrange a prompt appointment for you and your partner.