[Specificities of the epileptic women (oral contraceptives, pregnancy)]

The enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, barbiturates, oxcarbazepine do not allow oral contraceptives. The pregnancy must be planned. Every patient in childbearing age should be informed by her practitioner. The rule is to optimize the antiepileptic treatment before the pregnancy: less drugs, less dosages. This optimization will depend on the epileptic syndrome and the nature of the treatment. Valproate of sodium should be avoided, if possible, during pregnancy. Preconceptional supplementation by folic acid should be considered. Antiepileptic drugs monitoring is required during pregnancy. Natural delivery with peridural anaesthesiology is mandatory. The breast feeding must be considered individually.