title: The postpartum period in women with epilepsy.
abstract: For women with epilepsy (WWE), the postpartum period is a vulnerable time owing to medication alterations, disrupted sleep, increased stress, and the challenges of breastfeeding. Sleep deprivation and the stress of having a new child can be challenging for WWE. Concerns over antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in breast milk and sleep disruption associated with breastfeeding leads some WWE to discontinue breastfeeding. Adjustment of AEDs in the postpartum period can lead to difficulties in seizure control. Postpartum depression is increased in WWE, and patient education about newborn safety remains a concern. This article covers these important topics in postpartum WWE.
authors: Division of Women's Neurology, Department of Neurology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, UPMC Presbyterian/Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. kleinam2@upmc.edu
authors: Autumn
authors: A
authors: Klein
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001942:Breast Feeding; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants