The course of history is never one of smooth progression. Periods of relative quietness are interrupted by periods of wars and revolution. This pattern resembles that of a river which, before flowing into the delta, has to pass countless rapids. The same holds for the development of the science of medicine. In obstetrics some of these 'revolutions' or 'rapids' consist of the introduction of conservative obstetrical treatment by Lucas Johann Boer at the beginning of the nineteenth century, the discovery of the cause of puerperal sepsis by Oliver Wendell Holmes and Semmelweiss between 1843 and 1847, the introduction of the principle of asepsis by Pasteur in 1874, the introduction of prenatal care at the end of the nine teenth and the beginning of the twentieth century (Mijnlieff, Treub, De Snoo), the improvement of surgical techniques, the possibility to treat shock by bloodtransfusion, and, finally, the acquisition of new means for the effective therapy of infection. All these developments have led to a sharp reduction of maternal and perinatal mortality. In this connection it must be pointed out that such a reduction could never have been accomplished without the favourable social changes as a result of which medical and prenatal care could be made universally available. In recent years there has been another revolutionary develop ment in obstetrics. Two factors have been responsible for this: the ap plication of basic sciences in obstetrics, and the dissolution of the isolation with respect to other clinical disciplines.

Provide the best care possible with expert insight and clinically relevant coverage of the physiologic changes that occur throughout all major periods of the perinatal experience — prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal. Maternal, Fetal & Neonatal Physiology: A Clinical Perspective, 4th Edition gives you a solid foundation for assessment and therapeutic interventions, featuring an emphasis on the evolving interrelationships between mother, fetus, and neonate and adaptations of preterm and term infants to the extrauterine environment. Solid coverage of the physiologic bases for assessment and therapeutic interventions make this an ideal resource for advanced practice. Synthesis of the latest research studies and evidence-based practice provides vital data on normal physiologic changes during the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum periods; anatomic and functional development of the fetus; and developmental physiology of preterm and term neonates. Pharmacology tables offer quick access to key pharmacology information and drug effects with clinical examples. Coverage of pathophysiology and interventions for the pregnant woman, fetus, and newborn for selected abnormal events provides a solid understanding of physiologic adaptations and developmental physiology relating to major body systems and metabolic processes. Comprehensive tables, diagrams, and illustrations highlight important concepts and summarize key information Thoroughly updated content offers the very latest evidence-based information, contemporary research, and clinical developments related to maternal, fetal, and neonatal physiology. New coverage on the late pre-term infant provides the most current practice guidelines to promote quality care. Expanded discussions of reproductive processes reflect cutting-edge research and the clinical implications of physiologic and genetic effects brought to bear from both the female and the male. Extensive and reliable web sources allow for further study or checking for updated information. New NICHD standard definitions on fetal monitoring enable you to identify fetal heart rate patterns using standardized nomenclature.

Living Nature, not dull Art Shall plan my ways and rule my heart -Cardinal Newman Nature and Art 1868 One of the ineluctable consequences of growth in any field of science is that subjects of inquiry once established tend to give birth to subsubjects and that the subsubjects once established will in time undergo further mitotic division. Not so many years ago, problems surrounding the ietus and newly born infant lay in a realm almost to be described as a "no-man's land." Obstetricians properly gave major consideration to understanding and learning about processes and disorders concerned with maternal health and safety. The welfare of the infant was regarded as of secondary importance. Pediatricians on their part hesitated to invade the nursery, a sanctum regarded as belonging to the domain of the accoucheur. And the pathologist, enveloped in the mysteries of life and death in the adult, found scant tim~ for the neonate and the placenta.

No further information has been provided for this title.