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Pregnancy and epilepsy

J M Swartjes1, H P van Geijn

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Medical Center Alkmaar, The Netherlands.

European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
|June 27, 1998
PubMed

Pregnant women with epilepsy are at risk for a variety of complications. This article reviews the extensive literature on pregnancy and epilepsy with special emphasis on the management of pregnancy. Information is presented concerning seizure frequency in pregnancy, effects of epileptic seizures on the fetus, occurrence of complications during pregnancy and delivery, the incidence of fetal congenital malformations, and infant development. Recommendations are given concerning prenatal counseling, antiepileptic drug management, breast feeding, vitamin K supplementation and folic acid supplementation.

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