PREGNANCY AND EPILEPSY

Pregnant women with epilepsy are at risk for a variety of complication s. This article reviews the extensive literature on pregnancy and epil epsy with special emphasis on the management of pregnancy. Information is presented concerning seizure frequency in pregnancy, effects of ep ileptic seizures on the fetus, occurrence of complications during preg nancy and delivery, the incidence of fetal congenital malformations, a nd infant development. Recommendations are given concerning prenatal c ounseling, antiepileptic drug management, breast feeding, vitamin K su pplementation and folic acid supplementation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scienc e Ireland Ltd.