This manual encompasses a comprehensive approach to the management of labour. Based on the simple proposition that effective uterine action is the key to normal delivery, Active Management of Labour covers all aspects of delivery for nulliparous women with vertex presentation and single foetus. This is an accessible and practical guide for obstetricians and midwives as well as anaesthetists and the auxiliary staff of maternity units. Encourages an active interest in labour by all professional staff Emphasises the importance of constant personal attention and good communication in labour Discusses in detail the need to distinguish between: - first and subsequent births - single cephalic and all other pregnancies - induction and acceleration of labour Fosters the development of a team spirit between midwife and obstetrician Demonstrates how good labour ward organisation can improve care Proves the importance of audit in ensuring quality of care Updated chapters on dystocia and caesarean section New key points summary at the end of each chapter Updated review of clinical outcomes at the National Maternity Hospital

Optimizing outcomes for women in labor at the global level requires evidence-based guidance of health workers to improve care through appropriate patient selection and use of effective interventions. In this regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) published recommendations for induction of labor in 2011. The goal of the present guideline is to consolidate the guidance for effective interventions that are needed to reduce the global burden of prolonged labor and its consequences. The primary target audience includes health professionals responsible for developing national and local health protocols and policies, as well as obstetricians, midwives, nurses, general medical practitioners, managers of maternal and child health programs, and public health policy-makers in all settings.

This book is meant to bridge the gap between small handbooks that do not contain enough material to understand why you are doing certain things and large textbooks that lack the practical information you need for how to do specific procedures, write notes, orders, and dictations. After reading it, you will be prepared to care for an obstetric patient from the moment they arrive in triage until the time they are discharged. You will understand not only how to perform both simple and complicated procedures, but also why they are necessary, and you will have the answers to the most common pimp questions that are asked of students and residents. The most up-to-date literature and evidence-based recommendations have been used to create simple treatment algorithms for the most common issues you will face, and numerous illustrations are included for clarity as well. Because of its focus, this book is also valuable resource for staff physicians who need an updated text on current obstetric care as well as for those who regularly interact with and teach medical students and residents.

An authoritative guide to natural childbirth and postpartum parenting options from an MD who home-birthed her own four children. Sarah Buckley might be called a third-wave natural birth advocate. A doctor and a mother, she approaches the question of how a woman and baby might have the most fulfilling birth experience with respect for the wisdom of both medical science and the human body. Using current medical and epidemiological research plus women's experiences (including her own), she demonstrates that what she calls "undisturbed birth" is almost always healthier and safer than high-technology approaches to birth. Her wise counsel on issues like breastfeeding and sleeping during postpartum helps extend the gentle birth experience into a gentle parenting relationship.

The main aim of this practical Handbookis to strengthen counselling and communication skills of skilled attendants (SAs) and other health providers, helping them to effectively discuss with women, families and communities the key issues surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, postnatal and post-abortion care. Counselling for Maternal and Newborn Health Careis divided into three main sections. Part 1 is an introduction which describes the aims and objectives and the general layout of the Handbook. Part 2 describes the counselling process and outlines the six key steps to effective counselling. It explores the counselling context and factors that influence this context including the socio-economic, gender, and cultural environment. A series of guiding principles is introduced and specific counselling skills are outlined. Part 3 focuses on different maternal and newborn health topics, including general care in the home during pregnancy; birth and emergency planning; danger signs in pregnancy; post-abortion care; support during labor; postnatal care of the mother and newborn; family planning counselling; breastfeeding; women with HIV/AIDS; death and bereavement; women and violence; linking with the community. Each Session contains specific aims and objectives, clearly outlining the skills that will be developed and corresponding learning outcomes. Practical activities have been designed to encourage reflection, provoke discussions, build skills and ensure the local relevance of information. There is a review at the end of each session to ensure the SAs have understood the key points before they progress to subsequent sessions.

Concise, with a structured approach, Algorithms for Obstetrics and Gynaecology supports development of key problem-solving skills obstetricians and gynaecologists are required to maintain under pressure. All algorithms are designed to support rapid decision making in the most clinically relevant situations to minimize the risks of a poor outcome. This book covers everything from common non-life-threatening emergencies such as hyperemesis in pregnancy, to life-threatening acute events such as ectopic pregnancy, acute fetal distress, or maternal collapse. Each topic is devoted to a different clinical problem or emergency. Key learning points aid trainees by distilling the essential information from the chapter. Each topic has an algorithm, a care pathway, or table of key information, suiting the learning needs of trainees. However, this is also an important resource of information for day to day practice as algorithms and care pathways have been created using current national guidelines and clinical evidence. Every algorithm and care pathway has been carefully structured to ensure a logical progression of thought to aid anticipation, early diagnosis, and prompt and appropriate management. Ethical, legal and social issues are also discussed where relevant. Book jacket.