Management of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders in women of childbearing age: Part 1

Abstract Introduction The main challenge of Parkinson’s disease in women of childbearing age is managing symptoms and drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The increase in the age at which women are having children makes it likely that these pregnancies will become more common in future. Objectives This study aims to define the clinical characteristics of women of childbearing age with Parkinson’s disease and the factors affecting their lives, and to establish a series of guidelines for managing pregnancy in these patients. Results This consensus document was developed through an exhaustive literature search and a discussion of the available evidence by a group of movement disorder experts from the Spanish Society of Neurology. Conclusions Parkinson’s disease affects all aspects of sexual and reproductive health in women of childbearing age. Pregnancy should be well planned to minimise teratogenic risk. A multidisciplinary approach should be adopted in the management of these patients in order to take all relevant considerations into account.