This landmark two-volume treatise draws on the work of clinicians and researchers throughout the world to provide a unique new approach to clinical obstetrics. Its aim is to determine the most effective methods of care during pregnancy and childbirth. To this end, the authors provide overviews of data taken from the available controlled trials in which alternative forms of obstetric care have been formally evaluated. Evidence on the effectiveness of these methods--both pro and con--is presented along with information about implications for clinical practice and future research. The result is the most systematic study available on the effectiveness and safety of the full range of clinical procedures, regardless of the particular emphasis or medical context of treatment.

A Guide to effective care in pregnancy and childbirth is a clearly written review of the important research evidence on the effects of the various care practices carried out during pregnancy, childbirth, and the early days after birth. In addition to the details provided in the text, the book concludes with valuable tables that list the practices which are beneficial, those of unknown effectiveness, and those likely to be ineffective or harmful.

The product of a decade of research, this volume provides careful analysis of over 3000 clinical research studies on the effects of care given and received during pregnancy and childbirth. The findings are presented in an easily accessible format that will be of use to all health professionals involved in the care of women and their babies, and the women themselves. A unique, easily readable text, this book offers a wealth of current information in a convenient, inexpensive format.

Pregnancy and Childbirth presents the best evidence for the care of pregnant women to doctors, midwives, students and parents. The logical sequence of chapters and the index give quick access to the abstracts of over four hundred Cochrane systematic reviews. The book serves both as a stand-alone reference, and as a companion to locating full reviews on the Cochrane Library. The Cochrane Library is published by John Wiley on behalf of The Cochrane Collaboration. www.thecochranelibrary.com