Management of Pregnancy with Epilepsy A Case Report

Abstract: Epilepsy in pregnancy is a rare case with an incidence range between 0.5-1.0%. No antiepileptic medications are safe for pregnancy. Phenytoin use in pregnancy is associated with a 5-11% incidence of fetal hydantoin syndrome. Decision whether to continue or stop using phenytoin in pregnant women with epilepsy can be problematic. In this case report, we would discuss the management of a 34 year old multigravida who was known to have generalized epilepsy since 4 years earlier and on regular phenytoin use. During her pregnancy, she never had an episode of epileptic seizure and continued taking phenytoin and folic acid. Fetal scanning and regular phenytoin level monitoring were unremarkable. She finally gave birth to a normal 3100 gram vigorous male baby through spontaneous vaginal delivery. She continued the use of phenytoin during postpartum period and use IUD for contraception. Keywords: pregnancy, seizure, epilepsy, phenytoin, contraception