Experiences of Pregnancy and Early Motherhood in Young Women Living with Epilepsy in Nepal

Rationale: Physiological changes during pregnancy may increase seizure frequency for women living with epilepsy (WLWE), raising the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor. Concerns about fetal safety contribute to significant stress, and postpartum depression is also common among WLWE. Failure to address these challenges can have adverse effects on the health of both the WLWE and their children. This study explores the lived experiences of WLWE during pregnancy and the postpartum period in Nepal to inform people-centered solutions. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 WLWE receiving treatment for epilepsy at four treatment centers in Kathmandu. The participants were interviewed after receiving written informed consent. Interviews were transcribed and the analysis was conducted in the language of the interview (Nepali) to avoid any loss of meaning during translation. Thematic analysis and coding were done manually using Braun and Clarke’s 6-step analysis approach to map the findings into the biopsychosocial framework. Results: Preconception counseling and appropriate treatment supported positive pregnancy and postpartum experiences among WLWE. Women reported additional costs incurred by tests related to their use of antiseizure medications during pregnancy. Additionally, fears of disability or inherited epilepsy in children contributed to significant stress. Support from the family, especially the spouse, was a key factor in navigating the pregnancy and postpartum journey. Stigma often created a significant barrier preventing WLWE disclosing their disease status to their husband’s family. Conclusion: There are significant biological, psychological, and social factors that negatively impact the lived experience of pregnancy and postpartum for WLWE. Stigma reduction interventions are necessary to transform attitudes and facilitate supported disclosure of epilepsy. A multidisciplinary, integrated, person-centered approach for the treatment and counseling of WLWE and their families prior, during, and post-pregnancy is needed to improve well-being of mother and child and mitigate the challenges faced by WLWE. Publication History Article published online: 15 July 2026 © 2026. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Limited A-13A, Graphix Tower 1, 6th floor, Sector 62, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India