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Pregnancy and epilepsy: nursing implications.

K B McCormick
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Abstract

Pregnant women with epilepsy have a greater risk for complications of pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Problems that may arise during the course of pregnancy include an increase in seizure frequency, reduction of serum antiepileptic drug levels, and an increase in bleeding during pregnancy and after delivery. The infant of an epileptic mother is at twice the risk of infants in the general population to have a major malformation, and the risk for perinatal death is 1.2 to 3 times greater. Despite these facts, at least 90% of women with epilepsy have a normal pregnancy and deliver a normal infant. The pregnant woman with epilepsy may minimize the risk of adverse outcome by taking measures to ensure an optimal prenatal course. The neuroscience nurse can provide these clients with accurate information regarding pregnancy and epilepsy and can review measures that may be taken to reduce chances of an unfavorable outcome.

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Abnormalities, Drug-InducedAnticonvulsantsBreast FeedingDevelopmental DisabilitiesEpilepsyFemaleHemorrhagic DisordersHumansInfant MortalityInfant, NewbornLabor, ObstetricMaternal-Fetal ExchangePregnancyPregnancy ComplicationsSeizuresSubstance Withdrawal SyndromeJournal Article

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K B McCormick. 1987. Pregnancy and epilepsy: nursing implications.. https://doi.org/10.1097/01376517-198704000-00002

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