This factsheet has been written for members of the public by the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS). UKTIS is a not-for-profit organisation funded by Public Health England on behalf of UK Health Departments. UKTIS has been providing scientific information to health care providers since 1983 on the effects that medicines, recreational drugs and chemicals may have on the developing baby during pregnancy.

Gabapentin (Neurontin®) is used in people with epilepsy, certain types of nerve pain, and migraine.

When deciding whether to use gabapentin during pregnancy it is important to weigh up the potential benefits to your health and wellbeing against any possible risks to you or your baby, some of which may depend on how many weeks pregnant you are. Use of gabapentin in pregnancy may sometimes be considered necessary to control epilepsy or neuropathic pain. Your doctor or specialist will help you make decisions about your treatment.
It is recommended that all women taking anti-epileptic medicines also take high dose folic acid (5mg/day) whilst trying to conceive and during the first trimester of pregnancy. High dose folic acid has to be prescribed by a doctor. For more information, please see the folic acid bump leaflet.