Approach to Seizure Activity in the Pregnant Patient

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-17-2026

Publication Title

Curr Emerg Hosp Med Rep

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Seizure activity in pregnancy poses a unique challenge. Emergency clinicians must rapidly distinguish between pre-existing epilepsy, new-onset seizure disorders, and pregnancy-specific etiologies while simultaneously balancing maternal stabilization and fetal safety. This review summarizes the emergency evaluation and management of seizures in pregnant patients across all trimesters and the postpartum period. Recent Findings: Key considerations include physiologic changes in pregnancy, fetal risks associated with antiseizure medications, and the importance of avoiding abrupt medication withdrawal. Diagnostic evaluation should focus on identifying reversible triggers, excluding life-threatening etiologies, and assessing for pregnancy-related complications. Neuroimaging, electroencephalography, laboratory testing, and fetal monitoring should be tailored to gestational age and clinical presentation. Summary: Management of acute seizure activity in pregnancy differs from standard care in several ways and often requires a multidisciplinary approach to optimize maternal stabilization, fetal outcomes, and long-term neurologic care.

Volume

14

Issue

1

First Page

1

Last Page

10

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