Pregnancy and quality of life in women with epilepsy

Women with epilepsy have many legitimate concerns regarding the effects of their condition and the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on their unborn children. These concerns fall into four areas: increased seizure frequency, risk of birth defects, risks associated with breast-feeding, and psychomotor retardation associated with AED use. Studies have shown that many of these risks can be minimized with appropriate management and counseling. This review describes some of the data regarding these risks and how best to alter AED therapy to minimize them. It also reviews data showing that psychomotor retardation is generally transitory.