Covers everything midwives need to know about physiology – comprehensive content suitable for both training and practising midwives
Easy to read with straightforward language - ideal for students to master difficult concepts
Clear, full-colour diagrams and images bring theory to life
Demystifies basic biochemistry, cellular biology and genetics for those who have no prior knowledge of these subject areas
Evidence-based approach to improve safety and quality of care for mothers and babies, both in the developed world and those countries where the provision of adequate care remains limited
Helps the reader apply theory to practice, including how to recognise pathology and help prevent morbidity and mortality
‘Main Points’ boxes and online question bank with downloadable image collection to support learning
Section 1: Preconception 1. Basic Biochemistry 2. The Cell – Its Structures and Function 3. Structure, Organization and Regulation of Genes 4. The Female Reproductive System 5. The Male Reproductive System 6. Fertility Control 7. Infertility 8. Preconception Matters
Section 2A: Pregnancy—The Fetus 9. General Embryology 10. Embryological Systems 1—Trunk, Head and Limbs 11. Embryological Systems 2—Internal Organs 12. The Placenta, Membranes and Amniotic Fluid 13. Fetal Growth and Development 14. Common Fetal Problems 15. Congenital Anomalies
Section 2B: Pregnancy—The Mother 16. The Haematological System—Physiology of the Blood 17. The Cardiovascular System 18. Respiration 19. The Renal Tract 20. Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid–Base Balance 21. The Gastrointestinal Tract 22. The Accessory Digestive Organs 23. Nutrition and Metabolism During Pregnancy 24. The Nature of Bone—The Female Pelvis and Fetal Skull 25. Muscle—The Pelvic Floor and the Uterus 26. The Central Nervous System 27. The Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous Systems 28. The Endocrine System 29. The Immune System
Section 2C: Pregnancy—The Problems 30. Minor Disorders of Pregnancy and Risk Factors 31. Bleeding in Pregnancy 32. Cardiac and Hypertensive Disorders 33. Anaemia and Clotting Disorders 34. Respiratory, Renal, Gastrointestinal and Neurological Problems 35. Diabetes Mellitus and Other Metabolic Disorders in Pregnancy
Section 3A: Labour—Normal 36. The Onset of Labour 37. The First Stage of Labour 38. Pain Relief in Labour 39. The Second Stage of Labour 40. The Third Stage of Labour
Section 3B: Labour—Problems 41. Abnormalities of Uterine Action and Onset of Labour 42. Breech Presentation 43. Malposition and Cephalic Malpresentations 44. Cephalopelvic Disproportion, Obstructed Labour and Other Obstetric Emergencies 45. Postpartum Haemorrhage and Other Third-stage Problems 46. Perinatal Fetal Asphyxia 47. Operative Delivery and the Acutely Unwell Woman
Section 4A: Puerperium—The Baby as a Neonate 48. Adaptation to Extrauterine Life 1: Haematological, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Genitourinary Considerations 49. Adaptation to Extrauterine Life 2: Gastrointestinal, Metabolic, Neural and Immunological Considerations 50. Health Challenges and Problems in Neonates of Low Birthweight 51. Developmental Anatomy: Related Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disorders 52. Jaundice and Common Metabolic Problems in Neonates 53. Risks of Infection and Trauma in Neonates
Section 4B: Puerperium—The Mother 54. The Breasts and Lactation 55. Breastfeeding Practice and Problems 56. The Puerperium 57. Biobehavioural Aspects of Parenting
Jean Rankin, BSc(Hons) MSc PhD PGCE RN RMRGN RSCN, Professor (Maternal, Child and Family Health), School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley and Hamilton, UK
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