Epilepsy in pregnancy: A comprehensive literature review and suggestions for saudi practitioners

In the context of local culture and misconceptions regarding epilepsy, Saudi practitioners need a careful management plan for women with epilepsy that satisfies all the patients’ needs and ensures their spouses’ understanding. Such a management strategy needs to incorporate careful selection and monitoring of anti-epileptic drugs and regular counseling of patients. Female epileptic patients in the reproductive age group, no matter whether they are pregnant or not, should be managed by safest drugs from the earliest with folic acid supplementation along with adequate pre-marriage/conception counseling. All antiepileptic drugs are potentially teratogenic. However, valproic acid, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, and topiramate are least favored for use. Monotherapy is preferred over polytherapy, and the least possible dose should be used. During pregnancy, many epileptic women may need monthly drug level monitoring and dose readjustments. Normal vaginal delivery is safe in epileptic women. Post-partum follow-up with anti-epileptic drug titration may be required.