skip to main content

Epilepsy in pregnancy — DRCOG MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardAntenatal CareEpilepsy in pregnancyDRCOG

A 30-year-old woman attends pre-conception counselling. She takes sodium valproate for epilepsy and has been seizure-free for 2 years. She wants to start trying for pregnancy next month. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Refer for specialist review before conception

Valproate is highly teratogenic and women planning pregnancy need specialist review to consider safer treatment and optimise folic acid before conception. Abrupt discontinuation may cause seizures and should not be advised in primary care. The pearl is that medication optimisation should occur before conception, not at the booking visit.

Reference: NICE NG217; MHRA valproate pregnancy prevention programme