Leading gender and science scholar Sarah S. Richardson charts the untold history of the idea that a woman's health and behavior during pregnancy can have long-term effects on her descendants' health and welfare. The idea that a woman may leave a biological trace on her gestating offspring has long been a commonplace folk intuition and a matter of scientific intrigue, but the form of that idea has changed dramatically over time. Beginning with the advent of modern genetics at the turn of the twentieth century, biomedical scientists dismissed any notion that a mother-except in cases of extreme deprivation or injury-could alter her offspring's traits. Consensus asserted that a child's fate was set by a combination of its genes and post-birth upbringing. Over the last fifty years, however, this consensus was dismantled, and today, research on the intrauterine environment and its effects on the fetus is emerging as a robust program of study in medicine, public health, psychology, evolutionary biology, and genomics. Collectively, these sciences argue that a woman's experiences, behaviors, and physiology can have life-altering effects on offspring development. Tracing a genealogy of ideas about heredity and maternal-fetal effects, this book offers a critical analysis of conceptual and ethical issues-in particular, the staggering implications for maternal well-being and reproductive autonomy-provoked by the striking rise of epigenetics and fetal origins science in postgenomic biology today.

The must-have fertility plan that will soothe your mind, nourish your body and maximise your chances at having a baby. Leading fertility counsellor, Ann Bracken, draws together her years of expertise in the field with this supportive guide that will boost fertility by putting wellbeing at the heart of your journey. Ann breaks down the mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques that are scientifically-proven to combat the stress caused by fertility problems and offers clear, practical advice and tips on how to nurture your health and wellbeing - to optimise your fertility and inspire positivity during difficult times. Includes chapters on: * How to manage the psychological and emotional impacts of fertility problems * Mindfulness Practice * Information on Reproductive Treatment * Natural Health Therapies * Nutrition & Supplements to Boost Fertility, by Dr Marilyn Glenville * Restorative Yoga and Mindful Movement * Fertility Thinking through CBT * Self-Care * Taking care of your relationships * Useful Resources Featuring line illustrations to complement the text, journaling exercises throughout, and a foreword by pioneer of Mind-Body Medicine, Dr Alice Domar. 'A definite must-read regardless as to where you are on your journey' My Fertility Specialist Magazine 'A much-needed antidote to the all-too-often stressful and soul-searching path to parenthood. I will be recommending it to my fertility patients' Emma Cannon, integrated fertility expert, author of The Baby-Making Bible 'This book provides the perfect balance outlining the integrative mind and body approach and provides an essential complement to the medical aspects of the fertility journey' Dr James Nicopoullos, Consultant Gynaecologist?& subspecialist in Reproduce Medicine, The Lister Clinic, Lister Hospital, Chelsea, London 'In this book Ann Bracken has compiled what you need to know in an easily accessible, friendly and compassionate format' Dr Alice D Domar, Associate Professor in Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School and Executive Director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health

A comprehensive integrative handbook on fertility treatment, and Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART), the book is written by specialist contributors for health professionals and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners, and for those seriously considering ART themselves. Integrated approaches to infertility offer both a greater awareness and understanding of the combination of factors that can influence the chances of success when undergoing different types of ART. Leading experts review the evidence and discuss the benefits of different approaches to support the physiological and emotional aspects of fertility and fertility treatment. The book covers everything from identifying and treating conditions that may reduce fertility, including immunological abnormalities and specific male and female factors, to how nutrition, acupuncture, reflexology and yoga can support couples going through assisted reproduction, including helping to improve some immunological aspects. There is also a chapter that looks specifically at support for the over 40's.

It is widely believed that reproductive cycles are very similar between human females. However, there are in fact considerable variations both between individuals and within the reproductive life of any given individual. 'Normal' reproductive cycles cover a wide range of eventualities, and the likelihood of successful monthly egg release and ensuing pregnancy can be modified by a large number of factors. In this book, the variability of human fertility is examined by first looking at the physiological processes regulating reproduction, and the roles of metabolic adaptation and metabolic load. Inter-population variation in normal ovarian function is then discussed, covering the importance of factors such as age, disease and breastfeeding in modifying ovarian function. First published in 1996, this is an important book for all those interested in human fertility.

This introductory textbook examines the issues of human reproduction common to a variety of advanced school and beginning university courses. It covers in detail the physiology of the human reproductive system, the production of gametes, fertilisation, pregnancy, birth, lactation and contraception. Sensitive issues such as infertility, abortion and embryo research are discussed with careful consideration of the moral and ethical issues involved.

Many wrongly believe that reproductive cycles are very similar among human females. In actuality, there are considerable variations among individuals and within the reproductive life of any given female. "Normal" reproductive cycles cover a wide range of examples, and the likelihood of successful monthly egg release and ensuing pregnancy can be modified by many factors. In this book, the variability of human fertility is examined by looking first at the physiological processes regulating reproduction. Interpopulation variation in normal ovarian function is then discussed, covering the importance of factors such as age and disease in the modification of ovarian function. The final part of this text covers issues of metabolic effects on reproduction. Researchers will welcome this definitive compilation of observations on fertility.

In early 2020, Rosanna Davison gave a raw and sincere account of the 14 miscarriages she had suffered before choosing to have a baby via gestational surrogate. Then, just weeks later, she discovered she was pregnant with identical twin boys, conceived naturally. In this heartfelt and honest book, Rosanna reveals her difficult journey to motherhood and examines the stigma and silence that surrounds infertility. From the anguish of her multiple pregnancy losses to the decision to explore surrogacy, as well as the practical and emotional challenges involved in pursuing this route to parenthood, she reveals what it was like to find out she was expecting miracle twins just months after her daughter was born. She describes how she and her husband have coped with the long and intense road to becoming parents of three children under two. Shining a light on miscarriage and motherhood, Rosanna tells her story.

This important new volume in the series Cambridge Reviews in Human Reproduction provides a wide-ranging and authoritative account of the uterus and its physiological role in fertility, normal pregnancy and delivery. Acknowledged authorities from around the world provide a detailed and timely account of uterine physiology. The volume encompasses a wealth of material including cell and developmental biology, structure, function, anatomy and endocrinology, and then goes on to cover clinically important issues such as the cervix during pregnancy, measurement of uterine contractions and initiation of labour. It will prove of particular value to those involved in the management of women with pre-term labour, as well as those concerned with the development of new procedures for the prevention or amelioration of this condition.

Clinical case studies have long been recognized as a useful adjunct to problem-based learning and continuing professional development. They emphasize the need for clinical reasoning, integrative thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork and self-directed learning - all desirable generic skills for health care professionals. This volume contains a selection of cases on assisted reproduction that will inform and challenge reproductive medicine practitioners at all stages in their careers. Both common and uncommon cases are included. The aim is to reinforce diagnostic skill through careful analysis of individual presenting patterns, and to guide treatment decisions. Each case consists of a clinical history, examination findings and special investigations, before a diagnosis is made. Clinical issues raised by each case are discussed and major teaching points emphasized. Selective references are provided. The book provides a useful complementary adjunct to existing textbooks of reproductive medicine, and an excellent resource for teaching and continuing professional development.

Die medizinische Behandlung der ungewollten Kinderlosigkeit wird hierzulande nach wie vor mit einer Mischung aus Interesse am medizinisch-technischen Fortschritt und Sorge uber die mogli- cherweise nicht mehr kalkulierbaren Risiken dieses Fortschrittes betrachtet. Die Reaktionen reichen dabei von der implizi ten Gleichsetzung konkreter Formen der Reproduktionsmedizin mit den fiktiven Verhaltnissen in der 'Schonen Neuen welt'1, bis hin zu Einschatzungen, wonach sich die Reproduktionsmedizin in naher Zukunft als ein unverzichtbares Instrument bei der Bekampfung eines langandauernden Bevolkerungsruckganges in der BRD erweisen 2 werde. Auch wenn sich in den letzten 5-10 Jahren das Interesse der Offentlichkeit verstarkt den verschiedenen Formen der medizini- 3 schen Behandlung ungewollter Kinderlosigkeit zugewandt hat, so scheint mit diesem verstarkten Interesse kein Anstieg der Anzahl Der Vergleich des heutigen Potentials der Reproduk- tionsmedizin mit den Schilderungen der industriellen Erzeugung von Menschen in A. Huxleys Roman "Schone Neue Welt" gehort zu den Standardbildern in weiten Teilen der Literatur uber die medizinische Behandlung der ungewollten Kinderlosigkeit. So z.B. auch bei: Hirsch, G. und Eberbach W. (1987): Auf dem Weg zum kunstlichen Leben - Retortenkinder, Leihmutter, pro- grammierte Gene Basel, Boston, Stuttgart. S.31ff. 2 So ein Reproduktionsmediziner in der Fernsehsendung 'Explosiv' (RTL 22.5.'91). 3 Man denke z. B. nur an die Kontroversen im Zuge der Erarbeitung des Embryonenschutzgesetzes, an die Richt- linien zur Durchfuhrung der In-vitro-Fertilisation der Bundesarztekammer, an die Initiativen auf dem 56.

Sexualfreundliche Sexualerziehung soll und muss sein, aber wem nutzt eine pro-aktiv sexualisierende Sexualerziehung und warum loest sie Widerstand aus? Ist die aktuell diskutierte Sexualpadagogik mit ihren Zielen und Methoden kindgerecht oder bedient sie Interessen von Erwachsenen? Diese Streitschrift bietet Interessierten und an Erziehung Beteiligten Informationen und Analysen, sowie persoenliche Einschatzungen der Autorin, die nachdenklich machen. Das Buch reflektiert alternative Herangehensweisen an das Thema Sexualitat in Kita und Schule und erklart, warum sich religioes begrundete und "moderne" sexual-padagogische Konzepte ahneln. Die Autorin nimmt die Leser mit in die Fragestellung und Besorgnis, ob die derzeit propagierte Sexualerziehung darauf hinauslauft, Kinder mit padagogischer Legitimation in die sexualisierte Erwachsenenwelt hineinzuziehen. Es oeffnet die Augen fur die Thematik und gibt Hinweise wie Kinder und Jugendliche motiviert werden koennen, sich vor dem Einfluss von Pornografie zu schutzen.

Human Assisted Reproductive Technology: Future Trends in Laboratory and Clinical Practice offers a collection of concise, practical review articles on cutting-edge topics within reproductive medicine. Each article presents a balanced view of clinically relevant information and looks ahead to how practice will change over the next five years. The clinical section discusses advances in reproductive surgery and current use of robotic surgery for tubal reversal and removal of fibroids. It looks into the refinement of surgical procedures for fertility preservation purposes. Chapters also discuss non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis with proteomics technology, new concepts in ovarian stimulation and in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome, and evidence-based ART. The embryology section discusses issues ranging from three-dimensional in-vitro ovarian follicle culture, and morphometric and proteomics analysis of embryos, to oocyte and embryo cyropreservation. This forward-looking volume of review articles is key reading for reproductive medicine physicians, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, urologists and andrologists.