The management of epilepsy in pregnancy

Abstract

Please cite this paper as: Walker S, Permezel M, Berkovic S. The management of epilepsy in pregnancy. BJOG 2009;116:758-767. While most women with epilepsy can expect a normal pregnancy outcome, epilepsy remains a significant contributor to both maternal and perinatal morbidity. Pre-pregnancy planning must address reliable contraception and optimisation of antiepileptic drug (AED) regimens to minimise teratogenic risk while maintaining seizure control. The most recent data from the AED registries regarding malformations is presented in this review, as is the limited data on the newer AEDs and studies linking neurocognitive outcomes to AED exposure. During pregnancy, important considerations ..