ANTIEPILEPTICS IN PREGNANCY: A REVIEW

Exposure to Anticonvulsant drugs by pregnant women to prevent seizures are among the most common causes of potential harm to the foetus. Even though prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is known to cause relatively higher risks of major congenital malformations, prospective studies have provided refined data that allow us to differentiate the risks of different types and doses of AEDs. Women with epilepsy (WWE) are recommended to continue antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during pregnancy to reduce maternal and foetal trauma associated with seizures. Substantial pharmacokinetic changes occur with most of the medications during pregnancy and postpartum, and inter individual variability supports the use of therapeutic drug monitoring for most AEDs. During pregnancy, vigilance and close monitoring should also include intrauterine foetal growth, obstetric complications, and neonatal complications.