title: Epilepsy in pregnancy - a collaborative team effort of obstetricians, neurologists and primary care physicians for a successful outcome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epilepsy is the most commonly encountered serious neurological problem in obstetrical practice. The disease and treating medications may have significant impact on contraceptive choice, efficacy and reproduction.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article seeks to inform general practitioners (GPs) about current developments in the field of pregnancy care for women with epilepsy and to foster a collaborative approach in their management.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The care of a pregnant woman with epilepsy needs to start well before pregnancy occurs, while she is still under the care of a GP, especially if she is on antiepileptic medication. GPs are familiar with the concept of GP management plans and team care arrangements for chronic diseases. This model of team care should be extended to the management of women with epilepsy with regards to reproduction. It is hoped this will enhance perinatal outcomes for women and their infants by encouraging shared communication between the obstetrician, neurologist and GP.
authors.affiliation: MBBS, DRANZCOG, is a Level 5 RANZCOG Trainee, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tamworth Rural Referral Centre, Tamworth, NSW.
authors.forename: Rehena
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Apen
authors.forename: Coralie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Endean
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003270:Contraceptive Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058006:General Practice; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D009462:Neurology; D009774:Obstetrics; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011181:Postnatal Care; D016742:Preconception Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011295:Prenatal Care; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D014812:Vitamin K; D005492:Folic Acid