A mother has warned about the dangers of taking an epilepsy drug during pregnancy over fears it causes disabilities in children.

Deborah Mann, of South Oxhey, is campaigning with the Organisation for Anti-Convulsant Syndrome charity to raise awareness about women taking Sodium Valproate while pregnant to treat medical conditions including epilepsy, migraines and Bipolar disorder.

The charity says the valproic acid in the medicine causes a 35 to 40 per cent likelihood of an unborn child developing a rare condition called Fetal Valproate Syndrome and being affected by cognitive disabilities throughout their life.

Ms Mann was unaware of the risks when she began taking Sodium Valproate at the age of 16 to help control her seizures and continued a 5,000mg dosage during her five pregnancies in her twenties.

However, the 54-year-old believes that if she had not taken the medication, she would not have suffered the “heartbreak” of watching two of her daughters grow up with disabilities, as well as two of her other children dying and having a miscarriage too.

Ms Mann said: “There is definitely a lack of awareness about this issue. I am a carer for my daughters Ronnie, who is 23 and Branwen, 22, as they have had problems throughout their lives.

“Ronnie has had 13 operations on her ears alone, as well as being diagnosed with autism. She does not like to be squeezed or cuddled because her muscle tone is so poor and going out in the world is a nightmare as she is frightened by loud noise.

“At first, nobody thought Branwen was too badly affected but after undergoing tests, she was told she has problems with her brain and is susceptible to having a stroke. She also had to wear splints growing up due to problems with her muscles.”

Although Ms Mann stopped taking Sodium Valproate at the age of 44, the side effects have left a lasting impression on her health too.

She added: “I feel exhausted all the time as all my energy just seems to leave my body and I have diabetes even though type two does not run in my family, along with asthma and high blood pressure.

“People should be made aware about the long-term damage this medication can cause and there should be more support.”

To find out more about Anti-Convulsant Syndrome, visit: www.oacscharity.org