The First Stage of Labour
Chapter 17 The First Stage of Labour Normal labour is spontaneous in onset between 37 and 42 weeks’ gestation with the fetus presenting by the vertex, culminating in a healthy…
Perinatal Mental Health
Chapter 26 Perinatal Mental Health Stress/anxiety and domestic abuse Women are affected emotionally and socially on many levels. Women in abusive relationships are particularly vulnerable. Approximately 30% of domestic violence…
The Normal Baby
Chapter 28 The Normal Baby General characteristics Appearance Salient points relating to the newborn baby’s general appearance are listed in Box 28.1. Box 28.1 The appearance of the newborn baby…
Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Chapter 14 Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Hypertension is the commonest medical condition encountered in pregnancy, complicating approximately 5% of all pregnancies; it is a significant cause of maternal and fetal/neonatal…
Infant Feeding
Chapter 29 Infant Feeding Anatomy and physiology of the breast The breasts are compound secreting glands, composed mainly of glandular tissue, which is arranged in lobes. Each lobe is divided…
Obstetric Emergencies
Chapter 23 Obstetric Emergencies Vasa praevia The term vasa praevia is used when a fetal blood vessel lies over the os, in front of the presenting part. This occurs when…
The Third Stage of Labour
Chapter 19 The Third Stage of Labour Physiological processes During the third stage of labour, separation and expulsion of the placenta and membranes occur as the result of an interplay…
Metabolic Disturbances, Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Endocrine Disorders and Drug Withdrawal
Chapter 36 Metabolic Disturbances, Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Endocrine Disorders and Drug Withdrawal Metabolic disturbances Glucose homeostasis Following birth there is a fall in glucose concentration. At the same time…
The Second Stage of Labour
Chapter 18 The Second Stage of Labour The nature of transition and second-stage phases of labour The second stage of labour is the phase between full dilatation of the cervical…
Physical Problems and Complications in the Puerperium
Chapter 25 Physical Problems and Complications in the Puerperium The need for women-centred and women-led postpartum care The woman’s social and ethnic environment should take into account their individual perceptions…
