title: [Pregnancy, contraception and epilepsy].
abstract: Epilepsy is the most common neurological disease of females in reproductive age. Problems concerning contraception, reproduction, teratogenicity and antiepileptic therapy preceding and during pregnancy are discussed and recommendations made. We underline the advantages of a planned pregnancy with optimal adjustment of antiepileptic drug therapy and recommend prophylactic treatment with folic acid before and during, and with vitamin K towards the end of pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Neurologische Klinik, Universitätsspital Zürich.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Leppert
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Wieser
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003267:Contraception; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D008658:Inactivation, Metabolic / Q000502:physiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D005609:Free Radicals; D014812:Vitamin K; D005492:Folic Acid