The subspecialty of Obstetric Medicine sits in a unique intersection of the disciplines of Internal Medicine and Obstetrics. Its focus is in the skilled management of medical problems in pregnancy: from pre-pregnancy optimization to the management of acute and chronic conditions in pregnancy, and in the postpartum period to ensure resolution and safe transition back to the primary care provider. This book will provide novel insights into the management of pregnant women. Clinical pearls will be emphasized, such as illustrating atypical aspects of a presenting symptom/finding, and when a subspecialty referral (or transfer to a high risk centre) must occur for patient safety. This book will combine basic science principles, build on existing guidelines, and provide crucial tips on how to safely manage acute and chronic medical conditions in pregnancy. It is THE book for sub-specialists in Obstetric Medicine.

Obesity epidemic is a global problem of the 21th century for women in reproductive age and also the obstetricians and pediatricians. There are influences of mother's prepragnancy and antepartal obesity, at delivery, for fetal programming and for maternal and fetal lifelong metabolism. The epidemiological results are important, but for the health care providers the skills for prevention of mother's obesity with all consequences are essential. Evaluated programms in nutrition and physical activity will be discussed.

Different technologies have been introduced to improve management of labor. To date there is no single text that aims at covering all these technologies that address different problems and issues in labor management. The book reviews new technologies and devices aimed to improve labor management and outcomes. These diverge between looking at a better way to use fetal heart rate monitors (that are used in 90% of labours); using new monitors to detect the <1% of babies that are damaged in labor and account for 99% of the medico-legal costs in labor; and early detection of non-progressive labors that complicate 30-50% of labors. This is the only book about all these technologies from the perspectives of new devices and technologies in labor.

Pregnant women and their partners often ask healthcare professionals whether sex is safe during pregnancy, and what consequences may result from sexual activity. Many clinicians can also be unsure of the answers to these type of questions, leading to both patient and clinician resorting to the internet for advice, which can be inaccurate and anxiety-inducing. Here, the authors provide clinicians with an insight into the information offered by 'Dr Google' so that they can reassure and advise their patients as necessary. Aimed at obstetricians and other physicians caring for pregnant women, this book reviews the implications of sex during pregnancy such as those complicated by medical conditions, those at risk of preterm birth and multiple pregnancies. Other chapters cover physiological changes during pregnancy that may affect sexual function and intimacy, as well as the differing guidelines provided by various global obstetric societies.