Children born to women who took a certain epilepsy drug while pregnant have a greater risk of a low IQ, according to new research.
In a study at the University of Florida, IQ results of 187 children born to women who had taken four different epilepsy drugs were analysed.
Some 24 per cent of children whose mothers had taken the medication valproate were found to have an IQ at the level of mental retardation, the results indicate.
Those whose mothers took the drug scored an average of 84 on the tests, the numbers state.
Dr Kimford Meador, who led the study, said: "Our findings are consistent with other studies, which have shown valproate poses an increased risk for foetal death and birth defects and have suggested the drug may harm cognitive development."
IQ tests are standardised measurements of intelligence which were developed in the early part of the 20th century.
© Adfero Ltd