Neurological diseases in pregnancy and postpartum period

Abstract

regnant women may present with a variety of neurological disorders that are either pre-existing or presenting during pregnancy or postpartum period. Pregnancy may alter the severity and course of a preexisting neurological disease or impose treatment modifications. The presence of a neurological condition
might also require special management during delivery or breastfeeding. Some disorders are unique to
pregnancy (e.g eclampsia); they should be diagnosed and effectively treated to minimize their impact on
the mother or fetus. This review will identify common neurological disorders in pregnancy and postpartum
period and treatment options to point neurologists in serving this population. Management issues for
women with chronic neurological diseases (epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia) before pregnancy and
postpartum period are also discussed.