This is a major new textbook on medical disorders and medical complications in pregnancy, which provides an authoritative and practical guide to the management of these potentially life-threatening conditions. Written in a consistent, accessible style, the book discusses each medical problem at all stages - from pre-pregnancy through the post-partum period - and provides a stage-by-stage management plan for each condition. Organized by systems, each chapter begins with a review of important background information on the physiology and pathology of the system as it relates to pregnancy and then moves on to consider individual medical problems, such as hypertension, cariomyopathies, etc. The book's scope also includes the management of the acutely ill patient, pre-pregnancy counselling, anaesthesia, effects on the neonate, and the long-term implications of medical complications. Written by a team of expert contributors from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, under the editorship of 2 leading experts from the UK and Australia Takes a modern, problem-based approach to the subject Emphasis is on 'what to do', using a consistent, stage-by-stage approach to management for each condition Provides a comprehensive overview of the underlying physiology and pathology of medical problems for each systemic group of conditions Related topics are also covered, including pre-pregnancy counselling, fetal assessment, anaesthesia, and problems of the neonate