Pregnancy and Epilepsy

Aguilar, S; Alves, MJ; Serrano, F

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.17/4156

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Authors

Aguilar, S

Alves, MJ

Serrano, F

Abstract(s)

Epilepsy is common among women of childbearing age. Maternal-fetal risk is slightly superior to general population, resulting from antiepileptic drugs' teratogenicity and seizures. Optimized disease control and screening for medication's adverse effects are crucial parts of prenatal care. Most pregnant women require chronic therapy to prevent seizures; definition of an effective and least teratogenic regime should be performed preconceptionally. Sodium valproate is the most teratogenic drug; teratogenicity also increases with polytherapy and medication dosage. Labour should take place in a qualified obstetrical and neonatal centre. Usually breastfeeding is safe. Regarding contraception, consider interactions between enzyme-inducing antiepileptics drugs and hormonal contraceptives