BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Each year in the United States, about 25,000 babies are born to mothers with epilepsy.

Pregnant women with seizures generally have to keep taking their medication because uncontrolled epilepsy is a danger to both the mother and the baby.

There are multiple drug options available, and new research has suggested that there is one drug pregnant women might want to avoid.

A study of 309 preschool-age children who were exposed to anti-seizure drugs in the womb finds those whose mothers took Valproate had lower IQ scores.

Children exposed to Lamictal, Dilantin, or Tegretol scored between 98 and 100 on the IQ test, while those exposed to Valproate scored an average of 92 points.

Valproate has also been linked to a higher risk for birth defects such as skull deformities and cleft palate.

Valproate and other seizure drugs are sometimes used to treat migraines and bipolar disorder, so many women take these medications.

Researchers recommended that women try other drug options before Valproate, especially if they are pregnant or may become pregnant.