FND in pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period
A systematic review
Verónica Cabreira, Caoimhe McLoughlin, Natasha Shivji, et al.
BJPsych Bulletin (2024)
Key Takeaways
Late-pregnancy and postpartum onset is common. About one in three people first notice FND symptoms in the third trimester, during labour, or soon after birth.
Procedures can trigger symptoms. Spinal or epidural anaesthesia often preceded temporary limb weakness. Misidentified seizures led to unneeded epilepsy treatments.
Non-drug supports aid recovery. Gentle physiotherapy, relaxation exercises, talk therapy, and family grounding techniques helped many regain strength without heavy medications.
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Overview
This summary looks at 36 publications reporting 43 perinatal FND cases between conception and 12 months postpartum. It explains when symptoms typically emerge, common treatment missteps, and what approaches really support recovery—framed for anyone living with FND and their care partners.
Discussion
How the review was done: Researchers searched MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Embase through July 2022 for cases meeting modern FND criteria in pregnancy or postpartum, including conference abstracts to capture scarce data.
Who was involved: Forty-three people (median age 29) experienced functional seizures, motor weakness, movement or speech disorders, amnesia, or visual symptoms.
What they found:
Many seizure cases received anti-epileptic drugs or ICU care before FND was diagnosed.
Motor symptoms often followed neuraxial anaesthesia but resolved within hours to weeks.
Psychosocial supports and rehabilitation led to full or partial recovery in most reports.
Limitations: Findings rely on case reports and small series, so prospective studies are still needed to guide best practices.
Next Steps
If you have FND and are planning pregnancy or navigating postpartum, consider:
Talking with your team early. Let your OB, anaesthesiologist, and neurologist know about your FND history so they can personalize your birth plan.
Building your toolbox now. Practice simple breathing and gentle movement exercises—so they’re ready when you need them.
Tracking symptom patterns. Note any changes around procedures, stressors, or big life events in a brief journal.
Training your support network. Teach partners or family grounding techniques—they can help you reset in the moment.
Connecting with others. Join a perinatal FND support group or online community for shared tips, hope, and reassurance.
Reference
Cabreira V., McLoughlin C., Shivji N., Lodge A., Van Rhijn S., Keynejad R.C., et al. Functional neurological disorder in pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period: systematic review. BJPsych Bulletin. 2024;1–11. doi:10.1192/bjb.2024.70
This summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. It is not intended to replace professional consultation or treatment. Always consult qualified providers regarding your specific circumstances, symptoms, or questions.