Product Description

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.

About the Author

Stacey Chillemi is a H.O.P.E. Mentor for the Epilepsy Foundation and a mother who has had epilepsy for 27 years. She is the author of Epilepsy: You're Not Alone.

Blanca Vazquez, MD is an attending physician in neurology and Director of Clinical Trials and Outpatient Services at the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at New York University.