Management of epilepsy during pregnancy requires careful planning, monitoring, and coordination between the patient, obstetrician, and neurologist to ensure the health of both the mother and the unborn baby. Women with epilepsy face unique challenges during pregnancy due to the potential risks associated with seizures and antiepileptic medications.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Vineet Banga, Associate Director of Neurology and Head Neuro Intervention at BLK Max Super Specialty Hospital, shared, “An important aspect of the management of epilepsy during pregnancy is pre-conception counselling. This allows women to discuss their treatment options with healthcare providers and make informed decisions about their medication. Some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) carry a higher risk of birth defects, while others may be safe choices during pregnancy. Switching to a safer medication before conceiving or during early pregnancy may help reduce the risks.
He suggested, “Close monitoring is necessary during pregnancy to adjust the dosage of the drug as required. The frequency of seizures may change during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations and other factors, so healthcare providers should closely monitor seizure activity and prescribe medications accordingly to maintain control of seizures while minimizing potential harm to the fetus. needs to be adjusted. Regular prenatal care is important for women with epilepsy to monitor the baby’s growth and development. Ultrasound and other prenatal tests can detect any potential complications early, allowing timely intervention if necessary.
Dr. Vineet Banga said, “It is also important for pregnant women with epilepsy to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs, which can trigger seizures and May harm the developing fetus. In some cases, women with epilepsy may need special care during labor and delivery to reduce the risk of seizures and ensure a safe delivery for both mother and baby. Overall, the management of epilepsy during pregnancy requires a collaborative effort between the woman, her health care providers, and maternal-fetal medicine specialists to optimize outcomes for both the mother and the unborn baby.
Bringing in his expertise, Dr. Bhupesh Kumar, Senior Consultant, Neurointervention and Stroke Neurologist at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon said, “Maintaining stable drug levels is essential to prevent seizures while minimizing the risk to the unborn baby . Some anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) pose a higher risk of birth defects, so it is important to weigh the benefits of seizure control against the potential risks. Regular monitoring through antenatal visits can help keep track of the health of both the mother and the baby. Genetic counseling may also be recommended to assess the child’s risk of developing epilepsy. Seizure frequency and medication adjustments may fluctuate during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, requiring close monitoring and adjustments as needed.
They concluded, “Despite these precautions, there is still a risk of adverse effects on the unborn baby, including developmental delays or congenital malformations, especially with some AEDs. However, many women with epilepsy give birth to healthy babies with proper management and monitoring during pregnancy. Ultimately, personalized care and close collaboration between healthcare providers is the key to optimizing outcomes for both mother and baby.
