The third edition of this popular textbook gives a clear, easy-to-read account of anatomy and physiology at all stages of pregnancy and childbirth. Each chapter covers normal physiology, changes to the physiology in pregnancy, and application to practice. The physiology of childbearing is placed within a total biological context, drawing on evolution, ecology, biochemistry and cell biology.

Table of Contents

SECTION 1 Preconception: 1 Basic biochemistry; 2 The cell - its structures and functions; 3 Structure, organisation and regulation of genes; 4 The female reproductive system; 5 The male reproductive system; 6 Fertility control; 7 Infertility; 8 Preconception matters; SECTION 2A Pregnancy - the fetus: 9 General embryology; 10 Embryological systems 1 - trunk, head and limbs; 11 Embryological systems 2 - internal organs; 12 The placenta, membranes and amniotic fluid; 13 Fetal growth and development; 14 Common fetal problems; 15 Congenital defects; SECTION 2B Pregnancy - the mother; 16 The haematological system - physiology of the blood; 17 The cardiovascular system; 18 Respiration; 19 The renal tract; 20 Fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance; 21 The gastrointestinal tract; 22 The accessory digestive organs; 23 Nutrition and metabolism during pregnancy; 24 The nature of bone - the female pelvis and fetal skull; 25 Muscle - the pelvic floor and the uterus; 26 The central nervous system; 27 The peripheral and autonomic nervous systems; 28 The endocrine system; 29 The immune system SECTION 2C Pregnancy - the problems: 30 Minor disorders of pregnancy; 31 Bleeding in pregnancy; 32 Cardiac and hypertensive disorders; 33 Anaemia and clotting disorders; 34 Respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal and neurological problems; 35 Diabetes mellitus and other metabolic disorders in pregnancy; SECTION 3A Labour - normal: 36 The onset of labour; 37 The first stage of labour; 38 Pain relief in labour; 39 The second stage of labour; 40 The third stage of labour; SECTION 3B Labour problems: 41 Abnormalities of uterine action and onset of labour; 42 Breech presentation; 43 Malposition and cephalic malpresentations; 44 Cephalopelvic disproportion, obstructed labour and other obstetric emergencies; 45 Postpartum haemorrhage and other third-stage problems; 46 Perinatal fetal asphyxia; 47 Operative delivery; SECTION 4A Puerperium - the baby as a neonate: 48 Adaptation to extrauterine life: haematological, cardiovascular, respiratory and genitor-urinary considerations; 49 Adaptation to extrauterine life: gastrointestinal, metabolic, neural and immunological considerations; 50 Health challenges and problems in neonates of low birth weight; 51 Developmental anatomy: related cardiovascular and respiratory disorders; 52 Jaundice and common metabolic problems in neonates; 53 Risks of infection and trauma in neonates; SECTION 4B Puerperium - the mother: 54 The breasts and lactation; 55 Breastfeeding practice and problems; 56 The puerperium; 57 Biobehavioural aspects of parenting