Epilepsi dan Kehamilan

Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic neurologic disorder that may complicate pregnancy, about 25%-33,3% epileptic seizures increased
in pregnancies. The main concern in pregnancies complicated by epilepsy includes the increased risk of congenital
abnormalities associated with antiepileptic drugs. Hormones can have major effect on seizure disorders. Women with
epilepsy will have changes in seizure patterns when hormones levels shift, such as during pregnancy or right after
pregnancy. A woman with seizure disorder must be managed effectively to minimize the risk of a seizure that could
harm the fetus. Seizures can harm the developing fetus by reducing the blood supply to the placenta. Anti-convulsant
medications should not be discontinued during pregnancy. medications may be switched to those that are known to be
the safest to the developing fetus. This will reduce the risk for neural tube defects like spina bifida. Multiple drug
therapy should be avoided – if possible– and drugs should be given in divided doses to avoid high peak levels. We can
provide women with epilepsy with the available information, advise on the best treatment prior to pregnancy, and
warnings that most AEDs carry a risk above that of untreated epilepsy. Treatment should be planned in women
anticipating pregnancy