CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · International Journal of Epilepsy 2016; 03(02): 080-085
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijep.2016.09.001
Review article
Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd.

Maternal and neonatal complications during pregnancy in women with epilepsy

R. Bansal
a   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
,
G. Jain
b   Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
,
P. S. Kharbanda
b   Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
,
M. K. Goyal
b   Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
,
V. Suri
a   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 23 February 2016

Accepted: 06 September 2016

Publication Date:
06 May 2018 (online)

Abstract

Epilepsy is the commonest serious neurological problem faced by obstetricians and gynaecologists. Epidemiological studies estimate epilepsy to complicate 0.3–0.7% of all pregnancies.[1] [2] The importance of epilepsy in pregnancy lies in the fact that many women with epilepsy (WWE) have to go through their pregnancy while taking antiepileptic (AED) drugs. Both the seizures and AEDs can have harmful effects on the mother as well the foetus. Thus, during pregnancy, the clinician faces dual challenge of controlling seizures as well as preventing teratogenicity of AEDs.[1] In this review we discuss the possible impact of seizures as well as AEDs on mother as well as the child. We try to answer some of the commonest questions which are relevant to successful management of pregnancy and ensuring birth of a healthy baby.

 
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