Taking anti-epileptic drugs during pregnancy increases chances of autism and other neuro-developmental disorders, a new research shows.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham and partners in Australia found that children of mothers who took sodium valproate (VPA) during pregnancy reported brain disorders.
The VPA works by stabilising electrical activity in the brain, and so reduces fits. It is commonly used to treat a range of conditions including epilepsy, bipolar depression and migraines, researchers explained in a press release.
For the study, the researchers compared high resolution brain scans of seven year old children whose mothers took VPA during pregnancy to those obtained from children whose mothers did not take the drug.
The study analysis showed that children of mothers on the anti-epileptic drug during pregnancy had increased cortical thickness in the left inferior frontal gyrus and left pericalcarine sulcus. Moreover, brain areas dedicated to language development were absent.
"This is only a small group, but nonetheless it represents an important first step in understanding how taking VPA during pregnancy might effect a child's brain development," said Dr Amanda Wood, from the University of Birmingham
"VPA remains an important medication for people with epilepsy. What this study really tells us is that further research is required so that all women with epilepsy can make informed decisions about their medication use during pregnancy," Wood added in a news release.
Researchers noted that women taking medications during pregnancy should always consult their treating doctor before changing their medication.
The study is published in the journal Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology.
