Foetal Anti – Convulsant Syndrome

 

 

What is that you may be thinking ..

FACS can occur when anti-convulant Medication is taken during pregnancy. The medication crosses the Placenta and through to the developing Fetus.

FACSs refers to 3 different syndromes. These are –

• Foetal Valproate Syndrome
• Foetal Carbamazepine Syndrome
• Foetal Hydantoin Syndrome

FACS can be diagnosed by a specialist when a mother to be is taking Anti – Epilepsy Medication during pregnancy.

The of type of drugs to think about are –

• Epilim
• Tegretol – Carbamazepine
• Dilantin  – Phenytoin

Some of the possibilities are

• Spina Bifida
• Visual Difficulties
• Lower IQ
• Small size at birth
• Attention and Memory problems
• Slow Development

I have seen many questions about Medication and Epilepsy. It was interesting to hear this information. I have always thought the possibilities of these type of problems due to Epilepsy were pretty small. As I said, not all woman taking this type of medication will be affected, but sounds like they are a possibility.

I have often though that it wasn’t anything to worry about. I did think about this sort of thing when becoming a father. I was glad we didn’t have any problems getting pregnant. We have 2 healthy children.

People can be on these drugs for types for Medical issues other than Epilepsy, such as Mental Health.

For more information , take a look at the following website – FACSNZ