To improve maternal and offspring outcomes in pregnant women with epilepsy through early identification of women and their babies at risk of complications and ensuring specialist epilepsy input with evidence-based information on risks and benefits of treatment.
Research Team
- Judith Dyson
- Annalise Weckesser
Project Aims
To improve maternal and offspring outcomes in pregnant women with epilepsy through early identification of women and their babies at risk of complications and ensuring specialist epilepsy input with evidence-based information on risks and benefits of treatment.
Epilepsy is the second highest reason for mothers dying during pregnancy UK. Seizures affect the mother’s independence, mental health, employment, and her ability to care for others. Over three-quarters of pregnant women with epilepsy are prescribed antiepileptic drugs to control seizures, which may affect the baby. Most mothers with epilepsy receive little, late, or no specialist epilepsy care, because their risks are not recognised. We will design an ‘Epi-Safe’ care bundle with pregnant women with epilepsy and care providers that is acceptable, relevant, and accessible to all women. This will involve interviews with women and practitioners, co-design of the intervention, testing the intervention and establishing the cost of delivery and long-term impact on health of the mother and baby.
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