Epilepsy in Pregnancy

Neurol Clin. 2019 Feb;37(1):53-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2018.09.008.

Abstract

Epilepsy is a prevalent, chronic, and serious neurologic disease affecting many women of childbearing age. Specific concerns, including contraception, fertility, teratogenic risk of antiepileptic drugs, delivery, and breastfeeding, are addressed in this article. Evidence-based counseling and management strategies are provided to help clinicians and women with epilepsy through the different stages of pregnancy.

Keywords: Breastfeeding; Contraception; Epilepsy; Infertility; Labor and delivery; Pregnancy; Teratogenicity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Contraception / methods
  • Epilepsy / complications*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infertility / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants