Advances in research, knowledge and clinical practice in all branches of medicine have been rapid over the past decades and the speed is accelerating. Thus, as we enter the 1980s the pressure on specialists is to concentrate on ever-narrowing fields of their science. For the research worker this is desirable, but the practising clinician Our patient is a whole can have no clearly defined dividing lines. individual and every aspect of her makeup, physical and psychological, must always be taken fully into account. This is of vital importance in obstetrics and gynaecology. These two closely inter woven disciplines are branches of medical science in which emergency situations are not uncommon. Thus every practitioner, doctor, mid wife and nurse needs understanding of these subjects. Although tech nology advances rapidly, many basic principles remain the same. The chapters that follow deal with these, and modern trends in clinical management are discussed. For some decades the author has been in clinical charge of a matern ity hospital some 12 miles south of Central London. The hospital is a training school for obstetricians and midwives, and the local popula tion is adequately supplied with a general practitioner service. These circumstances are of some relevance because many views expressed are based on personal experience while others are based on countless books, articles, congresses and discussion with colleagues. To every source of information I express my thanks.

This is an ideal evidence based clinical guide to the essential principles and practical points arising from obstetric emergencies for residents, trainees, and obstetricians in practice. The concise text, illustrated with key diagrams, is from experienced educators and practitioners. *Provides a concise illustrated guide to the key principles and practical points involved *Gives trainees, residents, and obstetricians the practical information they need in an emergency *Supplies quick and easy reference to key points with illustrations

This guide provides a full range of updated, evidence-based norms and standards that will enable health care providers to give high quality care during pregnancy, delivery and in the postpartum period, considering the needs of the mother and her newborn baby. All recommendations are for skilled attendants working at the primary level of health care, either at the facility or in the community. They apply to all women attending antenatal care, in delivery, postpartum or post abortion care, or who come for emergency care, and to all newborns at birth and during the first week of life (or later) for routine and emergency care. This guide is a guide for clinical decision-making. It facilitates the collection; analysis, classification and use of relevant information by suggesting key questions, essential observations and/or examinations, and recommending appropriate research-based interventions. It promotes the early detection of complications and the initiation of early and appropriate treatment, including time referral, if necessary. Correct use of this guide should help reduce high maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity rates prevalent in many parts of the developing world, thereby making pregnancy and childbirth safer.

Rev. ed. of: Essential obstetrics and gynaecology / E. Malcolm Symonds, Ian M. Symonds. 4th ed. 2004.

Obstetrical emergencies can be among the most stressful events an emergency physician will face in their entire career. The purpose of this book is to provide an evidence-based, practical approach to the wide spectrum of obstetric complications an emergency physician must be prepared to manage throughout all trimesters pregnancy as well as postpartum, including complications of assisted reproductive technology, bleeding, precipitous delivery and preterm labor. Clinical pearls and pitfalls are highlighted throughout. The approach to the pregnant patient with trauma, non-pregnancy-related abdominal pain, or in cardiac arrest is discussed. Updates in the classification and management of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are presented. Recent controversies surrounding the use of anti-emetics for first trimester nausea and vomiting and the use of a beta-hCG discriminatory zone for the evaluation of pregnancy of unknown location are also addressed. Obstetrical support services vary widely between different facilities, and Emergency Department Management of Obstetric Complications is written for emergency clinicians in all practice settings. This book provides useful information for daily practice as well as preparation for rarely encountered and potentially life-threatening events.