Preconception planning for a woman with epilepsy should include care before, during, and after pregnancy. Which option reflects this?

• A. Only before
• B. Only during
• C. Before, during, and after
• D. Only after

Answer: (C)

Planning for epilepsy in pregnancy needs attention across all stages—before, during, and after pregnancy. Before conception, the aim is to stabilize the mother on a antiseizure medication with the lowest fetal risk, achieve good seizure control, and begin high-dose folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects. During pregnancy, drug levels can change because physiology shifts, so dosing may need adjustment to keep seizures controlled while avoiding unnecessary fetal exposure; this period often requires closer monitoring and dose tweaks. After birth, hormone changes and sleep disruption can again affect seizure control, so meds may need further adjustment, and decisions about breastfeeding safety are made with the healthcare team, since many antiseizure medications are compatible with lactation but require individual planning. This continuous, multi-phase approach best supports both maternal health and fetal safety, which is why the option reflecting all three periods is the right choice.