A little girls discovers an enchanted garden and realises it is magic. A children's story with illustrations

This volume summarizes advances in the optimal clinical management of preterm labour, using the best available evidence of the time. The contributors (mostly practising clinicians) are all actively involved in research into the mechanisms, aetiology, treatment and associated outcomes of preterm labour. The chapters are based on common clinical scenarios and each provides a comprehensive literature review followed by evidence-based recommendations on appropriate management. A summary of the pathophysiology of parturition is provided, and the obstetric scenarios cover management of threatened preterm labour, management of preterm premature ruptured membranes and management of preterm labour with specific complications (such as intrauterine growth restriction). Other chapters include the epidemiology, prediction and prevention of preterm labour. Anaesthetic and paediatric issues are explored in depth, and there are chapters on the legal and organizational issues surrounding preterm labour.

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5, created under the auspices of the United Nations, challenged political, financial, medical and civil society leaders to improve both child and maternal health. The 58th RCOG Study Group brought together a range of experts - including midwives, obstetricians and gynaecologists, anaesthetists and paediatricians - to provide an up-to-date review of progress to date and the challenges around meeting these MDGs. This book presents the findings of the Study Group, with sections covering: the size of the problem clinical problems and solutions - maternal clinical problems and solutions - neonatal training and development specific challenges in specific countries (Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Egypt and Sri Lanka)."

This is a practical guide to the optimal clinical management of preterm labour, using the best available evidence. Preterm labour remains a challenge today, even with the latest developments summarised here. The editors and authors (mostly practising clinicians) are all actively involved in research into the mechanisms, aetiology, treatment and associated outcomes of preterm labour. The chapters are based on common clinical scenarios and each provides a comprehensive literature review followed by evidence-based recommendations on appropriate management. A summary of the pathophysiology of parturition is provided, and the obstetric scenarios cover management of threatened preterm labour, management of preterm premature ruptured membranes and management of preterm labour with specific complications (such as intrauterine growth restriction). Other chapters include the epidemiology, the prediction and the prevention of preterm labour. Anaesthetic and paediatric issues are explored in depth, and there are chapters on legal and organisational issues around preterm labour.