Epilepsy and reproductive health: Challenges and prospects

Abstract

Epilepsy complicates a woman's reproductive life. The physiological modification of the woman and the effects of antiepileptic drugs are generally the cause. Several complications may be added during treatment that requires careful monitoring. Antiepileptic drugs mainly cause teratogenic and malformative effects. To minimize these complications, epileptic women should be accompanied at pubertal age, in case of the associated contraception during pregnancy and delivery. Always prescribe antiepileptic therapy as monotherapy, avoiding known teratogenic drugs and preferably old drugs. Joint care by neurologists and gynecologists and obstetricians is more effective. During pregnancy, it is important to put the patient on folic acid. The administration of vitamin K, in late pregnancy and in the neonatal period, is a prevention of perinatal hemorrhagic complications. The choice of breastfeeding is individual because there is no formal contraindication of breastfeeding in epileptics under treatment. Respecting its conditions builds confidence and promotes a reassuring reproductive life for our epileptics.