Epilepsy and Pregnancy

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Abstract
A restrospective study of 75 pregnant epileptic women compared with a parity, age and socioeconomic matched control group of women is presented. Deterioration of control of epilepsy during pregnancy occurred in 24% of women. Statistically significant obstetric complications noted were anemia, premature, labor, premature rupture of the membranes and postpartum hemorrhage. There was a 2.5-fold increase in the incidence of congenital anomalies in the neonates, an increase in feeding difficulties and a reduced incidence of jaundice. There was no maternal or perinatal death. Refinements in management may further reduce the maternal and fetal morbidity in epileptic women who choose to become pregnant.