Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting 0.3–0.7% of pregnant women. Women with epilepsy have increased maternal risks compared with the general population. Preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, bleeding in pregnancy, induction of labor, cesarean delivery and major congenital malformations of the children occur more frequently in this group. It has been unclear whether the increased risk of complications is due to the epilepsy per se, the use of antiepileptic drugs, or the combination of both factors. Recent studies have focused on the potential effects of antiepileptic drugs on adverse outcomes in pregnancy. Valproate is the medication most severely affecting the outcome. Folic acid supplementation is recommended to avoid fetal adverse outcome. In this article, principles of guidance in pregnancy and delivery are discussed, with emphasis on the obstetrical provider.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
This study was supported by the Norwegian Research Council through the NevroNor research program. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.