Although 90 percent of epileptic women give birth to healthy babies, the anticonvulsant drugs that are prescribed for epilepsy are known to carry a slight risk of causing birth defects.

The Pregnancy Register has been set up with the aim of finding out which anti-epileptic drug is the best to use during pregnancy. Co-ordinator of the study Dr Jim Morrow said: "There is a real need to determine which anti-epileptic drugs provide the best seizure control for the mother, with the lowest risk of problems for her child."

Epileptic women who become pregnant are urged to register themselves by calling the free telephone number 0800 389 1248.

The phone lines will be available between 9am and 3pm and will be manned by specialist nurses who will ask women to provide information about themselves and the epilepsy treatment they take during pregnancy.

Read more about the implications of epilepsy during pregnancy:

• Will being pregnant affect my epilepsy?
• Will having epilepsy cause any complications in my pregnancy?
• Is it safe to carry on taking my medication?
• What if I have a fit while I'm pregnant?
• What if I have a fit while I'm in labour?
• Can I breastfeed my baby?
• Will my baby have epilepsy too?

Click here to read a question about anticonvulsant drugs in pregnancy answered by the babyworld experts.

Share your concerns on our pregnancy problems discussion board.