ABSTRACT

Although the risk of prematurity, growth retardation, and major malformations is higher in infants of mothers using antiepileptic medications than in those of the mothers not using them, the harmful effects of the convulsive seizures on the maternal and fetal health are much more. Thus, the risks introduced by the antiepileptic medications to the fetus as well as the effects of the seizures occurring during gestation on maternal and fetal health should be evaluated carefully. Both antiepileptic medications and seizures may negatively impact the fetus. Given that recently introduced antiepileptic medications have fewer side effects they are used widely and due to their high tolerability rates, several investigations regarding their efficacy have been prompted in pregnant women. On the contrary, the teratogenic effects of the oldgeneration antiepileptics and their negative effects on cognition warrant more careful use of these medications. The primary objective in choosing antiepileptic medications for pregnant women is to control the seizures and minimize the risk of developing both physical and cognitive malformations.

Keywords: Antiepileptic treatment, cognitive malformation, epilepsy, gestation, teratogenicity