A pregnant woman who tragically passed away due to a seizure was not adequately informed about the risks associated with her condition, according to an inquest.

Megan Gardiner, 25, was 17 weeks pregnant when she and her unborn son were discovered deceased in her bedroom in Barry, South Wales by her mother. The inquest revealed that Megan had a particularly severe form of epilepsy and was not properly advised on her medication during pregnancy.

Epilepsy specialist Kim Morley highlighted multiple failures in Megan’s care leading up to her untimely death. Morley emphasized that Megan’s epilepsy, which was challenging to control with medication, posed a high risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) during pregnancy.

The inquest is scrutinizing the advice and care Megan received from medical professionals during her pregnancy, as well as the medications she was prescribed. Megan’s mother described her as ambitious and possessing a sharp sense of humor, with a passion for makeup artistry.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Megan was not explicitly informed about the risks of SUDEP, and discussions around the topic were general rather than specific to her case. Additionally, the family was unaware of Megan’s susceptibility to seizures while sleeping, which could have prompted them to take precautions.

Family members expressed concerns regarding the adequacy of Megan’s epilepsy care before and during her pregnancy. Despite medical recommendations, Megan chose not to take sodium valproate, a medication deemed risky for babies but potentially beneficial in halting seizures temporarily.

The inquest continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Megan’s tragic death, shedding light on the importance of thorough and tailored medical advice for pregnant women with complex medical conditions.