FROM THE PUBLISHER
Approximately 2.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from epilepsy; of these, more than one million are women of child-bearing age. With concerns about everything from medication-related birth defects to falls during seizures, many of these women are fearful of having children. The good news is that, with proper prenatal care, more than 90% will deliver healthy babies.
Epilepsy and Pregnancy gives readers the basic facts they need to help them make medical decisions throughout preconception, pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the early days after childbirth. Topics include preconception, fertility, pregnancy risks, risks to the fetus, nutrition, keeping fit, what to expect during pregnancy, fetal development, and labor and delivery.
In addition, the book includes guidelines for the use of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy, recommendations and questions to ask their neurologist, recommended daily allowances by age group, glossary, and much more. Epilepsy and Pregnancy is an essential guide for any woman who suffers from epilepsy and desires to have a child.
Pregnancy is challenging no matter who experiences it, but women with epilepsy not only have to concern themselves with proper nutrition, exercise and medical care but also with medication-related birth defects, flare-ups, and falls during seizures. In this guide for patients, the authors keep the practical and pragmatic in mind as they describe preconception counseling, fertility, risks, the pregnancy process itself, nutrition, keeping for, fetal development, labor and delivery, post-delivery and breast feeding. They include organizations to contact for assistance.
Annotation © 2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Excerpt
Epilepsy and Pregnancy
TABLE OF CONTENTS
My Story
Preconception
Fertility
Risks of Pregnancy
Risks to the Baby
Pregnancy
What to Do to Protect Yourself and Your Baby
Nutrition
Keeping Fit during Pregnancy
What to Expect When You're Pregnant
Fetal Development
Labor and Delivery
Taking Care of Yourself after Childbirth
Breastfeeding
Childcare
A Few Words from the Author
Organizations to Contact for Help
Glossary
The AED Pregnancy Registry: Questions and Answers
References
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