Is EEG safe during pregnancy?

Pregnancy brings changes to every system in the body, including the brain. For some women, this can mean new neurological symptoms, worsening of existing conditions, or unexpected events like seizures. When that happens, one of the first questions is often about safety.

Many expecting mothers ask whether EEG testing is safe during pregnancy.

The answer is yes.

Is EEG Safe During Pregnancy? What Expecting Mothers Should Know

Pregnancy brings changes to nearly every system in the body, including the brain. For some women, these changes can trigger new neurological symptoms, worsen existing conditions, or lead to unexpected events such as seizures. When this happens, safety is often the first concern.

How EEG is considered safe during pregnancy

An EEG, or electroencephalogram, does not use radiation. There are no electrical currents sent into the body. The test simply records the brain’s natural electrical activity through small sensors placed on the scalp, just like an EKG .

Because EEG is passive and noninvasive, it has been safely used during pregnancy for decades. It does not affect fetal development and does not expose mom or baby to anything harmful.

This makes EEG one of the safest neurological tests available when brain activity needs to be evaluated during pregnancy.

Why an EEG may be needed while pregnant

Neurological symptoms during pregnancy should never be ignored or brushed off as “just hormones.” While pregnancy can cause fatigue and brain fog, some symptoms warrant closer attention.

An EEG may be recommended if a pregnant patient experiences:

• Seizures or seizure-like episodes

• Sudden loss of awareness or confusion

• Unexplained fainting or blackout events

• Severe or unusual headaches

• New neurological symptoms without a clear cause

In some cases, pregnancy can lower the seizure threshold, meaning the brain is more sensitive than usual. For others, pregnancy may reveal an underlying condition that was previously undiagnosed.

EEG helps providers understand what is happening in the brain so they can make informed decisions that protect both mother and baby.

What an EEG Appointment Looks Like While Pregnant

Many expecting mothers feel anxious about neurological testing, especially when it involves the brain. Understanding the process can help ease those concerns.

During an EEG, small sensors are gently placed on the scalp using a water-based or paste adhesive. No needles are used, and nothing penetrates the skin. The test is painless and comfortable, and patients are free to rest during the recording.

Depending on symptoms, a provider may order a routine EEG or a longer ambulatory EEG. Ambulatory EEGs monitor brain activity over 24 hours or longer and are often helpful during pregnancy, since abnormal activity can occur during sleep or at unpredictable times.

At West Wave Neuro, EEG testing can be performed in the comfort of your home, reducing stress and eliminating unnecessary travel during pregnancy.

Why Diagnosing Seizures During Pregnancy Is Important

Seizures during pregnancy are not only concerning for the mother, they can also impact oxygen levels, blood pressure, and overall safety for the baby. Identifying abnormal brain activity early allows care teams to intervene appropriately and reduce risk.

EEG results help guide treatment decisions, medication management, and monitoring plans throughout pregnancy. In many cases, EEG testing provides reassurance by confirming normal brain activity. In others, it allows early detection and timely care.

Clear data leads to safer outcomes for both mother and baby.

Preeclampsia, Seizures, and the Role of EEG AFTER birth

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ stress, most often occurring in the third trimester or postpartum period. In severe cases, preeclampsia can affect the brain and lead to seizures, a condition known as eclampsia. When seizures occur during or after pregnancy, an EEG is often needed to evaluate ongoing brain activity and determine whether abnormal electrical patterns are present. A postpartum EEG helps providers assess seizure risk, guide treatment decisions, and ensure neurological stability as the body recovers.

For women who experienced preeclampsia with neurological symptoms, follow-up EEG testing is an important step in protecting long-term brain health and overall safety during the postpartum period.

EEG is about information, not assumptions

Most EEGs performed during pregnancy do not reveal dangerous findings. Often, results are normal or show patterns that help guide safe treatment or reassurance.

The goal of EEG testing during pregnancy is clarity. It helps providers rule things out, confirm what is happening, and avoid unnecessary medications or interventions.

When it comes to neurological symptoms, having answers is safer than guessing.

Please Note:

This information is meant to educate and empower, not to diagnose or treat medical conditions. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your neurological health, we recommend speaking directly with your healthcare provider to determine the best next steps for you.