ABSTRACT
Approximately one in every 200 women of childbearing age suffers from epilepsy, although not all of these will be taking drugs to control it. A major problem is that all of the regular anti-convulsants used to control epilepsy cross the placenta and are potentially teratogenic. However, it is essential that women on anti-epileptic therapy do not stop their medication, as the dangers of uncontrolled fitting, especially in the severe form of status epilepticus, are considerable. Women on phenobarbitone should be changed to another treatment, but, otherwise, the well controlled woman should stay on her prepregnancy therapy. Folic acid supplements should be given throughout, in high doses, together with vitamin K at the end of pregnancy. Anti-convulsant levels need to be measured only in those who have regular fits and for whom control is critical.
