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.

Epilepsy in pregnancy poses a serious threat to the mother and to her developing child. Even in previously well-controlled epilepsy, physiological changes in the mother during pregnancy and also during labour and delivery can alter the pharmacokinetic drug (AED) therapy causing increased seizure frequency.

This is a succinct, portable, essential guide to the practical management of women with epilepsy for busy clinicians.

Epilepsy requires careful management and monitoring through a woman’s life Epilepsy is a complex disease. The hormonal changes women experience, both day-to-day menstrual fluctuations and the longer waxes and wanings of a reproductive lifetime, make the management of epilepsy even more complicated. At some point, the well-being of a second person, a fetus, might also have to be taken into account. Epilepsy in Women provides a detailed guide to this challenge. The wide-ranging approach encompasses all aspects of a woman’s life including: Social and psychological impacts The impact in reproductive life Contraception Pregnancy Fetal health and long term developmental outcomes Lactation Menopause Each practical chapter begins and ends with a case study that demonstrates the more general challenge. The authors develop themes to provide clinical guidance based on evidence and experience. Written and edited by an international cast of experts, Epilepsy in Women provides crucial tips and recommendations for neurologists and gynecologists who need to be aware of the subtle effects of epilepsy on woman’s life.

Global and national confidential inquiry reports show that 60 to 80% of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality are due to avoidable errors. This comprehensive and illustrated second edition offers a practical guide to the management of obstetric, medical, surgical, anaesthetic and newborn emergencies in addition to organisational and training issues. The book is divided conveniently into nine sections and updated throughout in line with modern research and practice. Several new chapters cover setting up skills and drills training in maternity services to reduce avoidable harm, managing obstetric emergencies during 'home births' and in low-risk midwifery units, and minimizing maternal and fetal morbidity in failed operative vaginal delivery. Each chapter includes a practical algorithm for quick reference, the scientific basis for proposed actions, a case-based practical exercise and useful learning tools such as 'Key Pearls' and 'Key Pitfalls'. An invaluable resource for obstetricians, neonatologists, midwives, medical students, anesthesiologists and the wider perinatal team.

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 ...

This comprehensive, case-based title takes a practical approach to treating the pregnant patient by illustrating common and less common issues that arise during pregnancy. Outlining how difficult it often is to discern normal changes from pathological changes in the pregnant patient, Medical Problems During Pregnancy addresses not only this core dilemma but also a full array of specific, challenging issues to consider when pregnant patients present with conditions like epilepsy, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias and renal disease – disorders requiring medication despite some risks. Although standard best practices generally determine medication use, the practicality of medication at various stages of pregnancy is highly variable. Medical Problems During Pregnancy outlines key points to consider when prescribing medication and additionally offers a range of practical suggestions that can greatly improve the physician-patient interaction. A unique and invaluable addition to the literature, Medical Problems During Pregnancy will be of great interest to practicing obstetricians, primary care clinicians, family practice physicians, nurse practitioners, and other allied health professionals.