Which is a potential complication of epilepsy and seizures during pregnancy?

Which is a potential complication of epilepsy and seizures during pregnancy?

• A. Fetal hypoxia and acidosis
• B. Increased birthweight
• C. Decreased risk of preterm birth
• D. Decreased risk of fetal distress

Answer: (A)

Seizures during pregnancy can briefly compromise the mother’s oxygenation and placental blood flow, so the fetus may experience hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis. That drop in fetal oxygen can lead to fetal distress, making fetal hypoxia and acidosis a potential complication to watch for. Increased birthweight is not typical with epilepsy and seizures in pregnancy; in fact, seizures and many antiseizure medications are more often linked to growth restriction or preterm birth, and the risk of fetal distress is increased rather than decreased.

Seizures during pregnancy can briefly compromise the mother’s oxygenation and placental blood flow, so the fetus may experience hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis. That drop in fetal oxygen can lead to fetal distress, making fetal hypoxia and acidosis a potential complication to watch for. Increased birthweight is not typical with epilepsy and seizures in pregnancy; in fact, seizures and many antiseizure medications are more often linked to growth restriction or preterm birth, and the risk of fetal distress is increased rather than decreased.