Anti-seizure medicines (ASMs) are regularly used in whānau of childbearing age, but many of them can cause congenital malformations. While anti-seizure medicines are used for seizure control for people with epilepsy, they are also used for the treatment of mood disorders, neuropathic pain and migraines. While midwives do not prescribe these medications, they play a vital role in understanding the balance of risks and potential harms, contributing as part of the multidisciplinary team to a safe pregnancy journey and beyond.

This course, you’ll revisit your understanding of epilepsy and learn about the harm of anti-seizure medicines in pregnancy, including their use for the treatment of mood disorders, neuropathic pain and migraines.