The process of labor and delivery has been one of the most perilous activities in human life. The awkward evolutionary compromises giving rise to humans makes birthing potentially life threatening for both mother and child. Despite the development of modern care, labor and delivery continues to be a dangerous process even though the levels of fatality have decreased over the past several decades. This clinically focused guide to modern labor and delivery care covers low and high-risk situations, the approach of the team in achieving a successful outcome and what to consider when quick decisions have to be made. Aimed at both trainee and practicing obstetrician-gynecologists, this new edition includes practical guidance such as algorithms, protocols, and quick-reference summaries. It is squarely focused on the process of birth and concentrates on modern clinical concerns, blending science with clinical applications.

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 updated book is a practical guide to intrapartum ultrasonography to help practitioners improve labor and delivery, and to limit, where possible, complications. Presenting the authors’ experiences, the book summarizes the state of the art in normal and abnormal labor. It clearly documents the use of intrapartum ultrasonography to evaluate the first and second stages of labor and diagnose the occiput posterior and transverse positions. Each situation is analyzed with the help of numerous informative images and invaluable tips and tricks showing how fetal head engagement and progression can be documented objectively. The importance of ultrasound in obstetrics risk management is also addressed. Explaining how intrapartum ultrasonography can be used to assess whether a safe natural delivery is likely or whether operative procedures are required, the book is a valuable resource for all professionals – physicians and midwifes alike – caring for women in labor.

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

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.

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.

This book is a guide to labour and delivery management for trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology, and midwives. Divided into three sections, the text begins with detailed discussion on labour, from preparation before labour and delivery, through the different stages of labour, to postpartum care. The next section covers caesarean delivery, and the third, ‘special labour’ which explains labour complications, twins, prelabour rupture of membranes, and more. The book is authored by recognised experts from the USA and Italy, and is based on evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Clinical photographs, diagrams and tables further enhance learning. Key points Guide to labour and delivery management for trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology, and midwives Text based on evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) Recognised author team from USA and Italy Includes clinical photographs, diagrams and tables