Neurological diseases in pregnancy

Purpose of review To summarize recent research findings and current concepts related to care of neurologic diseases in pregnancy and the risks of pregnancy to the mother–infant dyad. Recent publications related to best practices for neurologic care, risks of pregnancy, rate of relapse during and after pregnancy, as well as medication safety in pregnancy and lactation for more commonly used neurologic medications are reviewed. Recent findings Data continues to grow that women with neurologic conditions can experience pregnancy with minimal risks. Additionally, as more data is being published on medication safety in pregnancy and lactation, most medical therapy is now thought to be compatible, improving symptoms and care for women with neurologic conditions who require pharmacologic treatment. However, data remains limited from clinical trials and from more objective studies. Researchers continue to clarify the impact of pregnancy on the course of chronic neurologic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, epilepsy, migraine, and cerebral aneurysms as well as the impact of these diseases on antepartum, labor and delivery, and postpartum management and neonatal course. Acute neurological conditions with pregnancy-associated risk such as stroke, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis are increasingly studied to determine individuals who are most vulnerable to these serious complications. Summary Many neurologica...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - Category: OBGYN Tags: MATERNAL FETAL MEDICINE: Edited by Deirdre Lyell, Mark Boddy, and Martha Rode Source Type: research