title: Epilepsy in pregnancy: best evidence for care.
abstract: Epilepsy is the most commonly encountered neurologic disorder during pregnancy. A majority of women with epilepsy continue antiepileptic drug regimens during pregnancy. To provide evidence-based care to women with epilepsy, it is critical that healthcare providers possess a basic knowledge of seizures, antiepileptic medications, and interventions specific to this patient population, as well as an understanding of the patient's basic needs and concerns. This article provides a discussion of seizure types, common antiepileptic medications, and provides evidence-based interventions related to the fetus and the mother during preconception, intrapartum, and postpartum periods.
authors.affiliation: Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, Washington, District of Columbia 20036, USA. druth@awhonn.org
authors.forename: Donna Jean
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ruth
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Barnett
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants