A great deal is now known about the effects of care given and received during pregnancy and childbirth. In order to best understand and utilize this information, pregnant women and all those involved in caring for them need an accessible, comprehensive reference to explain the methods and importance of proper care. A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth, Second Edition fills that need. The first edition was published to huge critical acclaim and immediately became established as the `bible' for all members of the perinatal care team because its conclusions were based on sound evidence. In the five years since the first edition of this best-selling guidebook was published, new research has been conducted on the effects of care during pregnancy and childbirth. The results of these important studies have been incorporated into this fully updated second edition. The book systematically reviews more than 7,000 of the best clinical research studies and classifies all the elements of care as effective, promising, not proven either way, or not worth using. It covers basic care, diet, screening tests, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, care after childbirth and much more. All of the information is presented in an easily readable form, making it the standard practical guide for expectant parents and all those involved in the care of childbearing women. Read More