Acta clinica Croatica, Vol. 41 No. 1, 2002.
Case report
Reproductive Health Concerns for Women with Epilepsy
Snježana Miškov
Abstract
Pregnancy has some important implications for women with epilepsy. Appropriate counseling and support for women with epilepsy who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy have raised a number of issues about their proper treatment. The impact of epilepsy on fertility and pregnancy must be carefully managed. This includes the effect of pregnancy on seizure frequency, the effect of seizures on the fetus, birth defects and possible teratogenic effect of antiepileptic drugs, complications of pregnancy, the implications for breast feeding, and precautions for the mothers having seizures when taking care of their newborn and young children. Understanding of the risk associated with epilepsy in pregnancy, use of appropriate therapy, and close teamwork of the neurologist, obstetrician, pediatrician and the woman herself will help ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery outcome. The knowledge and awareness of these issues are of great importance for optimal care of these women.
Keywords
Pregnancy, complications; Pregnancy, prevention and control; Epilepsy, drug therapy; Women’s health
Hrčak ID:
14711
URI
Publication date:
1.3.2002.
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