For counselor Nancy Wainer Cohen, this book is the sibling to "Silent Knife: Cesarean Prevention and Vaginal Birth after Cesarean "(Bergin & Garvey, 1983) her critically-acclaimed expose on America's growing reliance on cesarean sections. "Open Season "provides fresh insights and new information on the subject, offering guidance to childbearing couples, educators, health professionals, and scholars who value the natural path of childbirth.

Readers will find this book timely, informative, shocking, irreverent, and extremely readable. Cohen's intimate writing style presents a compendium of knowledge on childbirth in the fashion of a personal letter. Her aim is to lower America's alarming reliance on cesarean section, which is currently at 25 percent of all births, and to return the responsibility for childbirth to women by encouraging them to choose the kind of birthing experience they wish to have. In addition to cesarean section, Cohen discusses many other generally unnecessary interventions performed on women during pregnancy and childbirth--such as fetal monitoring and routinized hospital procedures.

In dealing with recent advances in biological engineering and human reproduction, we are confronted with legal, ethical, and religious questions for which there are no precedents. Warren Freedman undertakes a comprehensive examination of this topic. Sorting through the tangle of issues surrounding artificial insemination, surrogate motherhood, and other aspects of contemporary reproduction trends, Freedman attempts to clarify the rights and responsibilities of individuals, families, and society in the face of these new developments.

The author begins with a survey of the legal implications of nontraditional approaches to conception and birth. Separate chapters are devoted to artificial insemination and surrogate motherhood; and new concepts such as cryo-preservation, in-vitro fertilization, banking of sperms and eggs, and patentable new organisms are also discussed in detail. The author addresses questions of rights and liabilities as they apply to fetuses, donors, and adoptive parents, as well as the role of physicians and parenthood organizations, researchers, corporations, and government. Following a review of existing statutes, policies, and contracts that attempt to deal with these issues both here and abroad, he presents proposals that may aid in achieving equitable, uniform solutions. Freedman's book will be of interest to any citizen, group, or government agency concerned with these vital questions, and to professionals in law, government, medicine, human services, and industry.

The editor of this volume takes on the challenging task of presenting an encompassing view of childbirth in America from an anthropological perspective. The book is indeed comprehensive. . . . Collectively the chapters in Childbirth in America lay out a representative sketch of research problems of interest to sociocultural anthropologists and other social scientists working in the area of reproductive health. A distinct accomplishment is the acknowledgement in some of the chapters that not all American women want the same kind of childbirth care or have the same values and attitudes about pregnancy, birth, and parenting, and that this variation needs addressing in both childbirth policy and practice. American Journal of Physical Anthropology A comprehensive and critical examination of the experience of childbirth in America today, from pregnancy to early postpartum. This book covers many controversial issues in the context of diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, which have arisen as a result of the new technologies and ideologies surrounding pregnancy and birth. Most useful as a text for courses in childbirth education, anthropology of women's health, and anthropology of medicine.

It is the book for every woman who hopes for VBAC. In fact, many first-time cesareans could be avoided if this book were read first. It is thorough, it is compassionate. "Esther Zorn, Cesarean Prevention Movement"

A] landmark book. . . . These VBAC stories are inspiring, as well as very informative about the nature of labor and current U.S. obstetric practice. "Ina May Gaskin, The Birth Gazette"

This is not a dry text book remote from reality, but a powerful manual' that burns the knowledge women need in an indelible way on heart and mind. "AIMS Quarterly Journal"

Here for the first time are intimate stories of the VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) experience, as told by mothers, fathers, midwives, obstetricians, labor coaches, and others whose lives have been affected by VBAC. The stories demystify in a powerful way the idea of once a cesarean, always a cesarean. By example, each story is a telling critique of birthing practices in general and the cesarean outcome in particular, as well as a primer for mothers, fathers, and professionals on the VBAC experience.

The bible of cesarean prevention. Wall Street Journal A landmark event, which will change the course of obstetric care by giving parents the informtion they need to make the decisions that are best for their own families. Comprehensive, highly readable, sensitive . . . should be read by everyone who cares about someone. Marian Tompson Director, Alternative Birth Crisis Coalition American Academy of Medicine Required reading for all childbirth professionals and prospective parents. Journal of Gynecological Nursing

Human Placental Trophoblasts: Impact of Maternal Nutrition explores the vital roles of trophoblasts play in fetal growth and pregnancy, giving you new insight into the modulation of placental trophoblast functions by nutrients. It also reviews the role of fatty acids, folic acids, and specific vitamins in this aspect. The book highlights the critical role of nutrients on human placental development and its' in utero programming effects on the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and obesity in later life. The book begins with discussions of the central process of placentation and its regulation on size and growth of the fetus. It also covers the effects of key macronutrients on placental growth, metabolism, transport, and secretory function. The text details important vitamins and few micronutrients and their roles in the feto-placental growth and development. It includes information on the influence of maternal lifestyle and environmental factors on regulation of the growth, metabolism and gene expression in the feto-placental unit. A review of the genes linked to the process of placentation rounds out the coverage. An examination of a broad range of evidence in the areas of placental growth, function, and its impact on feto-placental outcome, the book presents new knowledge on nutrition and its relevance with early human development. This includes not only the effects of maternal nutrients on possible neonatal growth and development but also their regulation by maternal lifestyle associated factors. A fine blending of epidemiology, clinical nutrition, perinatal and neonatal medicine, and biochemistry and molecular biology areas of research activities, the book helps you to understand the impact of maternal nutrition on placentation and its relevance with pregnancy outcome and fetal programming of adult health and disease.

This book discusses medicine from an ethical perspective, whereas books on medical ethics more commonly present ethics from a bio-medical standpoint. The book is divided into 23 chapters. The introductory chapters present some basic concepts of medical ethics, such as the relation between the legal system and ethics, ethical documents, ethical theories, and ethical analysis. The following chapters address issues of importance in all fields of medicine: respecting autonomy, communication, relations within a healthcare team, professional malpractice, limited resources, and the portrait of a physician. In turn, the third part of the book focuses on ethical aspects in a broad range of medical activities - preventive medicine, human reproduction, genetics, pediatrics, intensive care, palliative medicine, clinical research, unproven methods in diagnostics and treatment, and the role of physicians who aren't directly responsible for patient care. The last part presents students' seminars with case stories. The book offers a valuable resource for physicians of all specialties, students of medicine, professionals, and students from other fields devoted to human health, journalists, and general readers with an interest in medicine.

This book provides a comprehensive guide for nurses practicing in any area of endocrinology and at any level of expertise. Endocrinology Nursing is a fast-developing specialty with nurses performing advanced roles and expanding their practice to run independent nurse-led services. Supported by the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) and edited by members of the ESE Nurses Working Group, this is the first book ever published specifically for endocrine nurses. It is also an excellent resource for endocrinology specialty trainees, general practitioners, medical and nursing students, expert patients and nurses working in specialties such as fertility, osteoporosis, oncology, obesity, urology and gynaecology, who look after patients with endocrine-related disorders. This volume includes 13 sections and 69 chapters providing a comprehensive overview of adult and paediatric endocrinology but also a section on advanced practice, role development and nursing research. It has been written by an international team of more than 100 eminent nurses, physicians, surgeons, psychologists and other healthcare professionals, which makes this book a valuable resource for any multidisciplinary team. Many patient advocacy groups have contributed with case studies which emphasises the close working relationships with patients.

During the last two decades, a new form of trade in commercial surrogacy grew across Asia. Starting in India, a "disruptive" model of surrogacy offered mass availability, rapid accessibility, and created new demands for surrogacy services from people who could not afford or access surrogacy elsewhere. In International Surrogacy as Disruptive Industry in Southeast Asia, Andrea Whittaker traces the development of this industry and its movement across Southeast Asia following a sequence of governmental bans in India, Nepal, Thailand, and Cambodia. Through a case study of the industry in Thailand, the book offers a nuanced and sympathetic examination of the industry from the perspectives of the people involved in it: surrogates, intended parents, and facilitators. The industry offers intended parents the opportunity to form much desired families, but also creates vulnerabilities for all people involved. These vulnerabilities became evident in cases of trafficking, exploitation, and criminality that emerged in southeast Asia, leading to greater scrutiny on the industry as a whole. Yet the trade continues in new flexible hybrid forms, involving the circulation of reproductive gametes, embryos, surrogates, and ova donors across international borders to circumvent regulations. The book demonstrates the need for new forms of regulation to protect those involved in international surrogacy arrangements.

This first volume of the series of the International Academy of Human Reproduction focuses on new aspects of reproductive medicine, from the professional responsibility model of ethics to the areas of high clinical involvement in human reproduction, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary, family planning and post-coital contraception. The book discusses fertility and assisted reproductive techniques in the context of genetics and epigenetics as well as psychosomatic and longevity aspects. In addition, it presents new technologies and therapeutic strategies to improve IVF results and prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, as well the new challenges and the future of imaging in reproduction. Menopause and the effects of estrogens on atero-prevention, mood, and more generally the reproductive hormones impact on dementia and healthy aging are also covered. Further, it includes a section devoted to innovative aspects of gynecological surgery, discussing the treatments of vaginal aplasia, reproductive microsurgery and technological breakthroughs in pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Last, but not least, it examines the syndromic aspects of preterm birth. This volume is a useful and comprehensive tool for gynecologists, obstetricians, endocrinologists and all specialists who deal with women's reproductive health.

Regulatory agencies worldwide have issued directives or such requirements for air quality standards in embryology laboratories. This practical guide reviews the application of clean room technology or controlled environments specifically suited for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Units. Its comprehensive coverage includes material on airborne particles and volatile organic compounds, including basic concepts, regulation, construction, materials, certification, clinical results in humans, and more.

Unlike conventional single daily observations, time lapse technology provides hundreds of images, which allows pinpointing of key events in the embryo's in vitro development as well as the detection of brief but significant critical changes. This information is beneficial in selecting the most viable embryos from a cohort and increases the chances of a positive outcome. The Atlas of Time Lapse Embryology describes in detail the technology and techniques surrounding time lapse embryology. The book also covers the clinical aspects of time lapse imaging, morphokinetic timings, implantation data, fertilization, compaction, blastulation, irregular cleavages, multinucleation, vacuolation, zona defects, and other topics. The book is easy to read, practical, and illustrated with dozens of images and video clips to help explain a variety of concepts. It will help practitioners to better understand how time lapse monitoring may dramatically increase flexibility in the IVF clinic, and most importantly, enhance clinical outcomes. Print Versions of this book also include access to the ebook version.

A new subspecialty is growing at the interface of reproductive medicine and perinatology: infertility. Textbook of Periconceptional Medicine provides an authoritative and comprehensive reference resource for those providing medical care to women trying to conceive a healthy pregnancy.

A revolutionary first edition, this text brings together a number of difficult and usually separate topics and provides the busy clinician with one authoritative and methodical reference.

Reflecting the breadth of modern clinical practice in this emerging therapy area, this integrated text incorporates aspects of all the relevant existing expertise, including:

• Preconceptual counseling
• Fertility investigation
• Therapy and management of preconception through the first trimester of pregnancy

Highlighting latest advances in genetics and biochemistry, the completely revised Third Edition reviews the field from basic science, clinical, epidemiological, and regulatory perspectives. Contributions from top opinion leaders in the field bring together developments in molecular embryology and cell biology as they apply to problems in developmental toxicology. It covers testing of pharmaceutical and environmental agents and interpretation of developmental toxicology data, highlighting mathematical and statistical techniques, as well as the effects of toxic exposure on the functional development of various organs. The relationship between maternal and developmental toxicology is examined, in addition to current techniques for studying chemical disposition, metabolism, and placental transfer. Close attention is given to the regulatory aspects of testing and risk assessment. Pre- and postconceptional clinical care and genetic factors in clinical developmental toxicology are also discussed. Key topics include: the roles of apoptosis and signal transduction pathways in normal and abnormal development the role of epigenetic changes in development the role of nutrition and individual susceptibility the utility of bioinformatics global and targeted gene expression changes

The first edition of The Endometrium was a landmark publishing event in reproductive biology and medicine. Many important developments have occurred in the field, and this new edition has been substantially updated and expanded to include new topics with an improved format. With the addition of several new authors and topics, the Second Edition of The Endometrium has developed new coverage of transcriptomics, stem cells, genetics and in-utero programming. Other new areas strengthen to include: placentology in human and animal models, taking account of the tremendous current interest in the maternal-fetal interface and its role in pregnancy pathology, neonatal and adult health. The layout has also been improved in order to aid browsing and cross-referencing. This is an invaluable up-to-date innovative text that will appeal to a worldwide spectrum of academic and professional readers including postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers in reproductive biology. As well as trainees and health care professionals in obstetrics and gynecology and allied disciplines such as assisted reproduction and oncology. A panel of internationally respected authors has been carefully chosen for their insight, clear, fair writing style and scholarly perspective.

The development of new reproductive technologies has raised urgent questions and debates about how and by whom these treatments should be controlled. On the one hand individuals and groups have claimed access to assisted reproduction as a right, and some have also claimed that this access should be available free of charge. As well as clinically infertile heterosexual couples, this right has been claimed by single women, gay couples, post-menopausal women, and couples who wish to delay having children for various reasons. Others have argued that a desire to have children does not make it a human right, and, moreover, that there are some people who should not be assisted to become parents, on grounds of age, sexuality, or lifestyle. Mary Warnock steers a clear path through the web of complex issues underlying these views. She begins by analyzing what it means to claim something as a 'right', and goes on to discuss the cases of different groups of people. She also examines the ethical problems faced by particular types of assisted reproduction, including artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilization, and surrogacy, and argues that in the future human cloning may well be a viable an

The concept of reproductive health promises to play a crucial role in improving health care provision and legal protection for women around the world. This is an authoritative and much-needed introduction to and defence of the concept of reproductive health, which though internationally endorsed, is still contested. The authors are leading authorities on reproductive medicine, women's health, human rights, medical law, and bioethics. They integrate their disciplines to provide an accessible but comprehensive picture. They analyse 15 cases from different countries and cultures, and explore options for resolution. The aim is to equip readers to fashion solutions in their own health care circumstances, compatibly with ethical, legal and human rights principles.

This volume explores, in various ways, the connections between reproductive health and culture. Individual chapters range over two broad questions. How does culture shape the particular ways in which reproductive events are associated with health outcomes? And to what extent does the notion of reproductive health, which emerged at a historical moment and was moulded by the experience of specific groups, have relevance in different circumstances?

'It is very hard to produce a timely book about a subject that changes as quickly as technologically assisted reproduction, but John Harris and Soren Holm have managed to do exactly that. The fourteen essays in this small volume provide an extremely useful and highly readable overview of the key moral, legal, and social themes raised by new ways of making babies. . . . The book is unique in that it offers perspectives on all these topics from a variety of disciplines and professions as well as from a broad range of national and cultural perspectives.' Arthur Caplan, British Medical Journal

Advances in Pregnancy-Related Protein Research describes the most significant advances in pregnancy-related protein research that have occurred over the last 25 years. The fetal, pregnancy, placental, and endometrial proteins discussed are classified by their origin and biological activity. The structure and function of newly discovered pregnancy protein families are examined in detail. Physiological values of various pregnancy and placental proteins are presented, and the pathophysiological significance of diagnostic and therapeutic data is addressed. Advances in Pregnancy-Related Protein Research will be a useful reference for obstetricians, oncologists, immunologists, reproduction specialists, oncodevelopmental biologists, gynecologists, and other researchers interested in the subject.

Erfahren Sie in diesem Buch, wie Sie mit einem unerfullten Kinderwunsch umgehen Wenn sich Paare fur Nachwuchs entscheiden, steht ihnen oftmals eine spannende Zeit bevor. Manchmal jedoch auch Monate oder Jahre voller Trauer, Verzagen und Zweifel. Denn nicht immer verlauft die Kinderwunschzeit erfolgreich. Die Folgen sind Hoffnungslosigkeit, Verbissenheit und der angstbesetzte Tunnelblick. Dieses Buch lasst betroffene Paare mit ihrem unerfullten Kinderwunsch nicht allein. Es will die Leser zu einem Perspektivwechsel anregen und ihnen zeigen, dass aktuelle Kinderlosigkeit nicht das Ende bedeuten muss. Buch uber unerfullten Kinderwunsch - schon alle Alternativen ausgeschoepft!? Die Reproduktionsmedizin und die Praimplantationsdiagnostik sind heute weit fortgeschritten. Dieses Buch zeigt Ihnen verschiedene Moeglichkeiten auf, welche Ihnen als Paar mit Kinderwunsch zur Verfugung stehen: Kinderwunschbehandlung Kunstliche Befruchtung Samenspende Eizellenspende Mit diesem Buch uber unerfullte Kinderwunsche erhalten Sie wahrend dieser facettenreichen, schweren Lebenssituation Unterstutzung durch eine Psychotherapeutin, eine erfahrene Medizinerin und durch viele Erfahrungsberichte. Umfangreiche Ausgabe mit Bezug zu realen Fallen Wenn sich Paare fur reproduktionsmedizinische Massnahmen entscheiden, zehrt dieser Entschluss oftmals an Koerper und Geist. Aus diesem Grund bietet dieses Buch uber das Thema "Unerfullter Kinderwunsch" UEbungen, welche aus die Kinderwunschzeit abgestimmt sind, sowie Hilfsangebote und Erfahrungsberichte betroffener Frauen. Sie erfahren mehr uber Unfruchtbarkeit, Schwangerschaft und Adoption. Aber ebenfalls uber ebenso loesungsorientierte wie mitfuhlende Bewaltigungshilfen.

Adoption and surrogate pregnancy are the two most realistic options currently available for millions of couples unable to carry a pregnancy to term. In the past decade, international adoption has become increasingly popular for those who wish to avoid the wait of adopting domestically. Yet because of unique political, economic, and cultural circumstances within each country, international adoption has its set of legal controversies and difficulties. Surrogate pregnancy is a relatively new and inherently complicated alternative. With few regulations to guide the process, countries struggle to address its ethical and moral questions, in addition to the legal, political, cultural, and environmental ramifications.

When an individual or couple is considering a difficult choice such as IVF treatment or third party assisted conception, the moral and ethical basis for their decisions may often be informed by their particular faith traditions. Faith and Fertility is a comprehensive collection of essays by academics and faith leaders from around the world. The reader is introduced to the cultural and religious understanding of fertility as it is practised among diverse international faith traditions. Each chapter is written in an accessible and clear style, outlining each faith's history and its core beliefs and values, showing the influence these have on its moral and ethical perspective on the issues surrounding fertility. This book will be a welcome resource for anyone seeking information on the plethora of attitudes towards fertility that are at work in today's global and multi-cultural world.

The development of the placenta was a pivotal event in evolution. Without it, we would still be laying eggs instead of giving birth to live offspring. It represents the critical link between the foetus and the mother, but its character is extraordinary - it is, in effect, a foreign tissue that invades the mother's body. Compared to many other animals, the human placenta represents a particularly aggressive body. But how is it managed and controlled? How did such an organ evolve in the first place? And why is it tolerated by the mother? Y.W. Loke explores the nature of the placenta and what it can tell us about evolution, development, and genetics.