Biochemical tests of fetal well-being ('placental function tests') have been part of routine obstetric practice for more than twenty years. This book provides an overview of the current status of these tests - the physiological basis for their use, and their advantages and limitations in clinical practice. Considerable attention is given to interpretation, a subject which in the past has led to much confusion both in the scientific literature and in the minds of clinicians. Recent advances are described in detail, in particular the discovery of a whole new generation of placental products some of which offer great promise in the prediction of conditions, such as placental abruption and premature labour, which cannot be identified by any other current parameters. Finally, a set of clear recommendations is put forward for the choice of test in most of the common complications of both early and late pregnancy. The emphasis throughout is on how the basic biology of fetoplacental products dictates their use and interpretation in pathological conditions.

The placenta is fascinating and complex. Basically foreign to the maternal body, it can be thought of as an organ transplanted onto the mother's host tissue. As such it embodies all the principles of tissue acceptance and rejection. Many of the risks of pregnancy and labor have now been eliminated and the placenta is likely to be at the root of many of the dangers to the unborn child that remain. A breakdown of the relationship between the placenta and the maternal tissue may turn out to be the cause of the majority of early lost pregnancies.

Master the effective evaluation, analysis and management of placental-fetal growth restriction (PFGR), reducing the risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity in patients worldwide. Extensively researched by international experts, this manual provides practitioners with a detailed, hands-on approach to the practical 'pearls' for direct patient management. This authoritative volume advises on matters such as the correct evaluation and management of high-risk patients in danger of PFGR through to delivery. Extensive and wide-ranging, this book is an invaluable companion to the developing research interest and clinical applications in PFGR, including developmental outcomes in early childhood. Featuring a critical evaluation of a variety of abnormal conditions, such as fetal hypoxia, which are clearly displayed through extensive illustrations. This essential toolkit ensures that practitioners of all levels can effectively limit the risk of mortality and morbidity, and reach the correct diagnosis, first-time.

A guide to identifying disease processes in the placenta affecting pregnancy outcome, with current diagnostic criteria and clinical consequences.

The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall, thereby allowing nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother's blood supply. Proper vascular development in the placenta is fundamental to ensuring a healthy fetus and successful pregnancy. This book provides an up-to-date summary and synthesis of knowledge regarding placental vascular biology and discusses the relevance of this vascular bed to the functions of the human placenta.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a condition that affects 5%–10% of all pregnancies and is the second most common cause of perinatal mortality. Fetuses with FGR present with a greater risk of long-term health defects as impaired neurological and cognitive development and cardiovascular or endocrine diseases in adulthood. Due to its high prevalence and serious long term consequences, an in-depth understating of the diagnosis and management of FGR is essential for all those professionals involved in prenatal care, since it can prevent unwanted outcomes both to the mother and to the newborn. On the last years, the knowledge about fetal growth restriction has evolved considerably, with an increasing number of articles being published on this topic and new concepts being described, including new diagnostic guidelines. Even so, there are no recent books fully dedicated to FGR; this theme has only generally been discussed in chapters in larger obstetrics and neonatology books. This current book intends to present and discuss the state of the art on FGR in a clear and didactical way. It will focus on the main topics related to FGR, including its etiology, classification, prediction, diagnosis, and management, as well as on its neurological complications and maternal cardiovascular involvement. Written by experienced and renowned gynecologists from Brazil, Italy and the US, this book will be a comprehensive guide, directed to all gynecologists, radiologists and general practitioners who are involved in prenatal care, as well as to interns, residents, professors and researchers in the field.

A fully updated and illustrated handbook providing comprehensive coverage of all curriculum areas covered by the MRCOG Part 1 examination.

Respiratory diseases affect a large proportion of the population and can cause complications when associated with pregnancy. Pregnancy induces profound anatomical and functional physiological changes in the mother, and subjects the mother to pregnancy-specific respiratory conditions. Reviewing respiratory conditions both specific and non-specific to pregnancy, the book also addresses related issues such as smoking and mechanical ventilation. Basic concepts for the obstetrician are covered, including patient history, physiology and initial examinations. Topics such as physiological changes during pregnancy and placental gas exchange are discussed for the non-obstetrician. Guidance is practical, covering antenatal and post-partum care, as well as management in the delivery suite. An essential guide to respiratory diseases in pregnancy, this book is indispensable to both obstetricians and non-obstetric physicians managing pregnant patients.

This textbook provides an up-to-date summary of the scientific basis, assessment for and provision of anaesthesia throughout pregnancy and labour. It is divided into nine sections including physiology, assessment, complications and systemic disease.