In women with epilepsy, when is the risk of seizures higher during pregnancy?

The risk of seizures is higher during labor and the 24 hours postpartum due to several factors specific to this period. During labor, physical stress, hormonal changes, and sleep deprivation can contribute to the likelihood of seizure activity. Additionally, the need for a woman to adjust to the new physical and emotional demands of childbirth can provoke seizures.

The postpartum period, particularly the first 24 hours after delivery, can also lead to increased seizure risk due to factors such as abrupt changes in hormone levels, alterations in medication absorption and levels, and the overall physical stress of labor and delivery. These factors combined create a heightened vulnerability for women with epilepsy during this time.

In contrast, although seizure management is crucial throughout the entire pregnancy, the risk levels can fluctuate during different trimesters and postpartum, but the immediate postpartum period is often regarded as particularly critical due to the aforementioned stressors and physiological changes.