Is breast feeding to the baby advisable while taking anticonvulsant medications?
Only small amount of the drug is excreted in the mother’s milk. Hence breast feeding is not harmful to the baby and it should be continued. There is no side effect seen in the babies taking breastfeed in a mother who is on antiepileptic drugs. Seizures in pregnant women (Eclampsia): Eclampsia during the last trimester of pregnancy presents with hypertension and convulsions. The word eclampsia is derived from a Greek word meaning “flash of lightening”. In majority of the cases eclampsia is preceded by features of pre-eclampsia. It is more common in first time mothers (75%). What are the complications of eclampsia? • Tongue may be bitten or various injuries due to fall can occur in the mother. • Acute left ventricular failure and severe hypertension can occur. • Pneumonia, cerebral hemorrhage and high grade fever can occur in the mother. • Postpartum psychosis and sepsis can occur. • Fetal death due to prematurity or intrauterine asphyxia can occur. What is the treatment for eclampsia? T
