Physiology and Care in the Puerperium
Chapter 24 Physiology and Care in the Puerperium Defining the puerperium and the postnatal period Following the birth of the baby and expulsion of the placenta, the mother enters a…
Specialised Fetal Investigations
Chapter 10 Specialised Fetal Investigations Advances in technology mean that assessment of the fetus during pregnancy has become increasingly sophisticated and more widespread. Biochemical tests on maternal serum are commonly…
Complementary Therapies and Maternity Care
Chapter 38 Complementary Therapies and Maternity Care Women may request the presence of a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioner at the birth. They should ensure that the therapist has…
Supervision of Midwives
Chapter 37 Supervision of Midwives The principal function of Supervisors of Midwives is the protection of the public, but the main ethos is support for midwives. Midwives have to notify…
The Placenta
Chapter 4 The Placenta Originating from the trophoblastic layer of the fertilised oocyte, the placenta links closely with the mother’s circulation to carry out functions that the fetus is unable…
Hormonal Cycles: Fertilisation and Early Development
Chapter 3 Hormonal Cycles Fertilisation and Early Development The hypothalamus is the ultimate source of control, governing the anterior pituitary gland by hormonal pathways. The anterior pituitary gland in turn…
The Female Urinary Tract
Chapter 2 The Female Urinary Tract The urinary system has important functions in connection with the control of water and electrolyte balance and of blood pressure. The kidneys The kidneys…
