During pregnancy, epileptic seizures may be slowed or increased, but they are more common, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy and close to delivery.
Increased seizures are mainly due to normal changes in this phase of life, such as weight gain, hormonal changes and increased metabolism. In addition, the frequency with which the disease attacks can also occur because the pregnant woman suspends the use of the medication, for fear of affecting the health of the baby.
The presence of epilepsy during pregnancy increases the chances of the following complications:
- Spontaneous abortion;
- Premature birth;
- Death of the baby after birth;
- Delayed development;
- Genetic malformations, such as heart problems, cleft lip and spina bifida;
- Low weight at birth;
- Pre eclampsia;
- Vaginal bleeding.
However, it is not yet known whether the increased risk of complications is due to the disease itself or to treatment with anticonvulsant medications.
When to worry
In general, simple partial seizures, seizures of absence, which are those in which the person loses consciousness for only a brief period of time, and myoclonic seizures, characterized by brief muscle contractions similar to electrical shocks, do not present risks to the pregnancy . See How to Identify and Treat the Absence Crisis.
However, women who had previously difficult-to-control seizures or who have generalized tonic-clonic seizures, in which there is loss of consciousness and generalized muscle stiffness, are more likely to cause damage, such as lack of oxygen to the baby and heart palpitations.
How to treat
Treatment is done according to the type and frequency of seizures presented, and in women who have been seizure free for more than 2 years, the physician can evaluate the suspension of medication both during pregnancy planning and during the first trimester of pregnancy. gestation.
Among the medicines used, Valproate is the most related to the higher chances of fetal malformations, and to decrease this effect, it is common that it is prescribed with Carbamazepine.
However, it is important to follow the prescribed treatment, and should not be discontinued without medical advice, even if you do not have seizures or if the seizures have increased with the medication.
How is breastfeeding?
Women with epilepsy may breastfeed normally, but some medications used to treat the disease can cause irritation and drowsiness in children.
The baby should be breastfed within 1 hour of taking the medication, and it is recommended that breastfeeding be done while the mother is sitting on the floor, in an armchair or lying in bed to avoid accidents, as seizures may occur during breastfeeding.
To avoid complications, know what to do in the epilepsy crisis.
