This work includes Foreword by Phillip J S Steer, Professor of Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London. It includes Introduction by Gwyneth Lewis, National Clinical Lead for Maternal Health and Maternity Services, Department of Health, England and Director of the UK Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths. 'The reductions in maternal mortality over the last half century are an eloquent testimony to the value of the technical expertise in life support that anaesthetists bring to the management of labour complications. Many direct causes of maternal death have been substantially reduced as a result of anaesthetic innovations ranging from advances in regional anaesthesia to the panoply of techniques used in intensive care. This book is essential reading.' - Phillip J Steer, in his Foreword. Offering a unique insight into real cases, this book covers the physiology, pharmacology and organisational factors involved in previous maternal deaths, highlighting key lessons to be learnt. This practical guide provides an ideal introduction for new anaesthetists and up-to-date information for senior practitioners, particularly those who cover labour wards. It is also invaluable for anaesthetic nurses, obstetricians and midwives. 'For more than 50 years the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the UK have collected together invaluable information about why mothers die in pregnancy and childbirth. For the first time ever, this unique book collects together all the valuable lessons into one volume. Experts in their fields provide a physiological, pharmacological, and evidence based commentary on the events of each death. The overall result pays homage to the value of collecting together lessons from the past, and we hope will help people avoid repetition of these situations in the future.' - Daryl Dob, Anita Holdcroft and Griselda Cooper, in the Preface.