I started having seizures at age 16 and these were not properly diagnosed as JME until about 25. During that time I tried most every medication on the market and Depakote was the only one that controlled the seizures reasonably well. I got pregnant on Depakote, assured by my neurologist that it was ok. At the time, I was in my second year of neurology residency and agreed with him (weighing risks vs benefits). In my experience, it was not a good choice. My son was born with trigonencephaly (misshaped head with fused sutures - required extensive surgery at 4 months), persistent fetal circulation, a hole in the heart, very rapid heart rate and hypospadius. We almost lost him. I had a GTC seizure while giving birth and had a crash C-section.  Obviously this is an extreme example and my little guy got all of the possible adverse outcomes. He is 10 now, healthy and strong. He is developmentally delayed and still has occupational therapy twice a week, but can read, write, etc.  We feel very blessed to have him and consider him our little miracle from God. My second pregnancy I went off Depakote totally and changed to Lamictal. Although the seizures were not fully controlled, I had a very healthy little boy. Afterward, I went back to Depakote (plus Lamictal) with complete seizure control. I am now a neurologist and have been in private practice for almost 10 years. I always tell my patients about my personal experience with Depakote and we try alternatives before going with the Depakote. You can have a healthy baby on Depakote, but you are significantly increasing your risks. Not many neurologists have epilepsy and probably even fewer have JME. From my professional and personal experience, try to avoid Depakote and work with you doctor for a better choice. I did.

Valerie 

I had a beautiful, healthy baby boy in 2005 while on Valproic Acid.  He is now a perfectly normal 3 year old.  We have had no problems as a result of the medication.  I took 4 mg. of folic acid per day and my Valproic Acid was gradually increased throughout the pregnancy as I had blood tests to check the levels.

It was a very stressful pregnancy as we worried the whole time whether baby would be ok.  I had an extra ultrasound to check for defects and a test to check baby's heart...

I would love to have another child, but we are probably going to just call ourselves lucky and stop at 1.  I am allergic to almost every other epilepsy drug so there are not a lot of other options for me.