Uterine and Embryonic Factors in Early Pregnancy

Download Uterine and Embryonic Factors in Early Pregnancy PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1461533805
Total Pages : 293 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (615 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Uterine and Embryonic Factors in Early Pregnancy by : Jerome F. Strauss III

Download or read book Uterine and Embryonic Factors in Early Pregnancy written by Jerome F. Strauss III and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 293 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Human reproduction is the most dynamic of processes. The events which lead to the birth of a normal healthy infant have their origin long before actual fertilization. Indeed, the whole process can be looked upon as a continuum. Human fertilization and early development, once sequestered in the protective environment of the fallopian tubes and uterus, have now been exposed in the laboratory. These events have, over time, been extensively observed and catalogued in animal models. The tools of modem morphology and molecular biology have reopened issues long since considered settled as facets of early reproduction are reexplored. This volume, consisting of the proceedings of a workshop on uterine and embryonic factors in early pregnancy, has been designed to enhance that effort. Attention is focused largely on early embryonal development with special attention to the interrelationship between the embryo and the uterus in early pregnancy. Each of the contributing scientists brings with him or her the perspective of one specific discipline or another. The common denominator is the application of emerging techniques in modem molecular biology to problems pertaining to embryonal-uterine interaction. The goal is to consider specific areas of concern in a multidisciplinary way and to reexplore the factors behind early development and implantation. Uterine complement, the function of uterine macrophages immunoregulatory loops in the peri-implantation period, colony stimulating factors and interferon-like factors are reviewed and their interrelationship explored. Uterine angiogenesis factors as well as embryonic growth factors are also considered.

Pregnancy After Assisted Reproductive Technology

Download Pregnancy After Assisted Reproductive Technology PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1139560492
Total Pages : 211 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (395 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Pregnancy After Assisted Reproductive Technology by : Eric Jauniaux

Download or read book Pregnancy After Assisted Reproductive Technology written by Eric Jauniaux and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2012-09-06 with total page 211 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is estimated that more than 4.5 million couples experience infertility each year, and more than 4 million babies have been born using IVF since 1978. However, assisted reproductive technologies continue to raise many medical, social, ethical, political and religious questions, often leading to controversial and sometimes inaccurate opinions about the outcomes of pregnancies resulting from these techniques. This is the first book dedicated to pregnancies arising from assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Chapters cover the most important management issues, from early pregnancy to outcome of children resulting from ART, including gynaecological, genetic and obstetric complications. Each chapter is written and edited by leading experts in the field of human reproduction. A timely, practical and evidence-based guide to the management of ART pregnancies, based on 30 years of clinical experience, this is essential reading for reproductive and maternal-fetal specialists as well as general obstetricians and gynaecologists.

The Maternal Fetal Interface

Download The Maternal Fetal Interface PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Boydell & Brewer
ISBN 13 : 9781580460439
Total Pages : 456 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (64 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Maternal Fetal Interface by : Anthony Carter

Download or read book The Maternal Fetal Interface written by Anthony Carter and published by Boydell & Brewer. This book was released on 1998 with total page 456 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 29 papers contained in this volume look closely at various aspects of what is termed, "The Maternal-Fetal Interface," as it relates to the latest research in placental science. A substantial section of the book is devoted to the troublesome question of vertical transmission of infectious agents: namely, the HIV-1 virus. However, other sections of the volume examine related issues such as drug and toxin transfer across the term placenta and the diversity of placental types and how this can affect a placenta's effectiveness as a barrier. Anthony Carter is at the University of Odense, Denmark Vibeke Dantzer is at the University of Copenhagen, DenmarkThomas Jansson is at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Vascular Biology of the Placenta

Download Vascular Biology of the Placenta PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Biota Publishing
ISBN 13 : 1615047514
Total Pages : 126 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (15 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Vascular Biology of the Placenta by : Yuping Wang

Download or read book Vascular Biology of the Placenta written by Yuping Wang and published by Biota Publishing. This book was released on 2017-06-23 with total page 126 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall, thereby allowing nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother's blood supply. Proper vascular development in the placenta is fundamental to ensuring a healthy fetus and successful pregnancy. This book provides an up-to-date summary and synthesis of knowledge regarding placental vascular biology and discusses the relevance of this vascular bed to the functions of the human placenta.

Immunological and Endometrial Changes of Early Pregnancy in Dairy Cattle

Download Immunological and Endometrial Changes of Early Pregnancy in Dairy Cattle PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (142 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Immunological and Endometrial Changes of Early Pregnancy in Dairy Cattle by : Maria Da Silva

Download or read book Immunological and Endometrial Changes of Early Pregnancy in Dairy Cattle written by Maria Da Silva and published by . This book was released on 2023 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Research in bovine reproduction is crucial for enhancing fertility, efficiency, and sustainability in dairy production. Despite progress in breeding practices and herd health management, a significant number of bovine embryos do not survive past the first month of pregnancy. Factors like the immune system play a critical role in protecting against pathogens and tolerating the semiallogeneic embryo. Immune cells also mediate endometrial tissue remodeling and homeostasis during successful reproduction. However, little is known about immunological and endometrial changes during early pregnancy. To support pregnancy, the early conceptus secretes crucial proteins, including interferon tau (IFNT) that maintains the corpus luteum. Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are another group of conceptus molecules abundantly secreted from the time of conceptus attachment until parturition, but their specific function remains unknown. In our first study (Chapter 2), we analyzed the transcriptome of the endometrium and blood leukocytes in cyclic heifers treated in vivo with intrauterine infusions of IFNT and PAG. IFNT activated interferon response, immune activation, inflammation, and cell death pathways in the endometrium, while downregulating genes related to vesicle transport and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Prolonged IFNT altered genes linked to cell invasion, retinoic acid (RA) signaling, and embryo implantation. In peripheral blood, PAG stimulated genes involved in leukocyte differentiation and TGFB signaling but had limited effects on endometrial genes. These findings shed light on how conceptus secretions impact endometrial and immune function during maternal recognition of pregnancy and embryo attachment/implantation. Shortly after attachment/implantation, the endometrium undergoes vascular remodeling to establish the maternal placenta. Adequate blood flow and vascular development are essential for successful embryo implantation, nutrient exchange, and overall fetal development. In the second study (Chapter 3), expression of HIF1A, AHR, and angiogenic factors were characterized in the cyclic and pregnant endometrium at the time of attachment/implantation. Contrary to our hypothesis, the expression of HIF1A, AHR, and angiogenic factors remains low during the attachment/implantation period. Moreover, our results suggest that IFNT may exert a suppressive effect on the expression of molecules of HIF signaling. Understanding the timing and mechanisms governing blood vessel growth, structure, and function in the placenta is crucial for the prevention of placental disorders that impact embryonic health and survival. Although the uterine environment undergoes major immunological adaptations to accommodate the developing embryo, the peripheral immune system is not isolated from pregnancy changes. Hormonal and metabolic signals associated with pregnancy have systemic effects on the immune response in the blood and extrauterine organs. It is generally accepted that systemic immunity must balance tolerance to the developing embryo while also remaining vigilant in eliminating pathogens and threats to pregnancy health. Understanding this delicate immunological balance can support efforts in the prevention of pregnancy loss and complications. In the third study (Chapter 4), we characterized changes in circulating leukocytes during early pregnancy and investigated peripheral immunity differences between lactating cows and heifers. In the first experiments, heifers and cows were studied separately, revealing both similarities and differences in the phenotype of blood leukocytes in response to early pregnancy. In the final experiment, we simultaneously compared samples from heifers and cows, and the results indicated that cows exhibited greater expression of proinflammatory cytokines and molecules associated with leukocyte migration and phagocytosis compared to heifers. Moreover, animals that failed to become pregnant showed altered expression of anti-inflammatory molecules compared to pregnant and cyclic animals. Overall, these findings support the notion that immune responses to early pregnancy differ in heifers and cows, which may contribute to the reduced fertility observed in lactating cows. During our experiments with PBL, we observed that some heifers experienced luteolysis between days 16 and 17 of the estrous cycle, while cows experienced it after day 18. Progesterone primarily regulates cell function via the nuclear progesterone receptor (PGR) and can also signal through membrane-associated receptors of the PAQR and PGRMC family. In cattle, progesterone secretion remains elevated throughout pregnancy, but there is conflicting evidence regarding the presence of PGR in leukocytes of both cattle and humans. In our last study (Chapter 5), we aimed to determine the expression of progesterone and estradiol receptors in bovine peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and if their expression was affected by reproductive status, parity, or the day of pregnancy. We also investigated the correlation between steroid hormone concentrations in plasma and the phenotype of blood leukocytes. The results revealed that bovine leukocytes lack PGR during early and mid-pregnancy but express nuclear ESR and membrane PGR (mPGR). Additionally, there was a positive correlation between plasma estradiol and a negative correlation of plasma progesterone with changes in the proportion of myeloid cells and the expression of molecules involved in leukocyte migration during proestrus. Contrary to some published literature, these findings suggest that bovine PBL do not express PGR, and instead, mPGR of the PAQR and PGRMC family may mediate progesterone effects on leukocyte function. In summary, the findings presented in this dissertation have expanded our understanding in several areas: (1) the effects of IFNT and PAG on gene expression in the endometrium and circulating leukocytes, (2) the expression of angiogenic factors in the uterus, (3) the peripheral immune response to early pregnancy in heifers and lactating cows, and (4) the expression of progesterone receptors in immune cells. Our results provide support for the hypothesis that uterine and peripheral immunity is regulated by conceptus and maternal signals to facilitate the establishment of successful pregnancies. The insights gained from this research can help identify immunological factors associated with embryo loss and offer valuable perspectives on the application of strategies to enhance fertility in dairy cattle, other domestic species, and potentially even in humans.

Birth Settings in America

Download Birth Settings in America PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309669820
Total Pages : 369 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (96 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Birth Settings in America by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Birth Settings in America written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2020-05-01 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The delivery of high quality and equitable care for both mothers and newborns is complex and requires efforts across many sectors. The United States spends more on childbirth than any other country in the world, yet outcomes are worse than other high-resource countries, and even worse for Black and Native American women. There are a variety of factors that influence childbirth, including social determinants such as income, educational levels, access to care, financing, transportation, structural racism and geographic variability in birth settings. It is important to reevaluate the United States' approach to maternal and newborn care through the lens of these factors across multiple disciplines. Birth Settings in America: Outcomes, Quality, Access, and Choice reviews and evaluates maternal and newborn care in the United States, the epidemiology of social and clinical risks in pregnancy and childbirth, birth settings research, and access to and choice of birth settings.

Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Endocrinology

Download Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Endocrinology PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128148241
Total Pages : 1038 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Endocrinology by : Christopher S. Kovacs

Download or read book Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Endocrinology written by Christopher S. Kovacs and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2019-10-12 with total page 1038 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Endocrinology: Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Management systematically examines the normal and abnormal endocrinology of the pregnant and lactating female and of the fetus and neonate. This reference volume expands coverage of specific disorders and diseases beyond the current endocrinology content on the market, which in most cases has a paragraph or no mention at all about pregnancy or aspects of fetal/neonatal development. Formalized source of maternal/fetal endocrine physiology and pathophysiology Key reference for fellows and residents for rarer endocrine pathologies Integrated presentation of new molecular and genetic causes of endocrine disorders Bridges the experience/knowledge gap of endocrinopathies rarely encountered in pregnancy

Embryo Implantation

Download Embryo Implantation PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 9780387988061
Total Pages : 336 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (88 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Embryo Implantation by : Daniel D. Carson

Download or read book Embryo Implantation written by Daniel D. Carson and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 1999-09-24 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume contains the proceedings of the International Symposium on Embryo Implantation: Molecular, Cellular and Clinical Aspects, held from October 3-6, 1997 in Newport Beach, California. Internationally recognized experts discuss the development and future of human in vitro fertilization and embryo implantation, the cellular aspects of implantation, hormonal regulation, molecular markers of receptivity, trophoblast factors, primate models and animal studies, and transcriptional regulation of maternal-fetal recognition.

Comprehensive Neonatal Nursing Care

Download Comprehensive Neonatal Nursing Care PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Publishing Company
ISBN 13 : 0826109764
Total Pages : 1026 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (261 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Comprehensive Neonatal Nursing Care by : Carole Kenner, PhD, NNP, FAAN

Download or read book Comprehensive Neonatal Nursing Care written by Carole Kenner, PhD, NNP, FAAN and published by Springer Publishing Company. This book was released on 2013-08-21 with total page 1026 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This book provides a complete look at neonatal healthcare delivery. This edition includes discussions of contemporary topics of interest, such as informatics, genetics, global health, and family-centered care, which are vital to providers caring for neonates today. The case studies and the evidence-based practice dialogues at the end of each chapter provide great opportunities for further reflection. The book is useful to a wide audience in nursing, including undergraduate and graduate nursing students, practicing neonatal and pediatric nurses, and advanced practice nurses who care for neonates." Score: 92, 4 Stars.--Doody's Medical Reviews This 'classic' has been thoroughly updated to incorporate the most up-to-date research findings and strategies for providing cost-effective and evidence-based care. New chapters address emerging infections, the late preterm infant, and neonatal care from a global perspective. Included are updated neonatal care protocols and procedures, neuroprotective risk factors, new treatments, and new trends in developmental care. Text integrates the Institute of Medicine's (10M) five competencies, reflects the Affordable Healthcare Act and the Robert Wood Johnson and 10M report "The Future of Nursing." The text continues to provide neonatal care from a physiologic and pathophysiologic approach, with a major emphasis on nursing management at the bedside and advanced practice level. Each neonatal body system is presented, along with E-B interventions to assist in understanding the 'why' behind what is seen in the clinical area. Integrative management is threaded through the text along with extensive research findings to support practice strategies and rationales for sound clinical decision-making. Topics of recent interest include iatrogenic complications, neonatal pain, use of computers or other technology in neonatal care, and neonatal AIDS. Case studies enhance understanding of both common and rare neonatal conditions. New to the Fifth Edition: New chapters: emerging infections, the late preterm infant, and neonatal care from a global perspective Updated neonatal care protocols and procedures, neuroprotective factors, new treatment modalities and new trends in developmental care Tackles the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Addresses the expansion of the nurse's role in the US and worldwide Provides case studies that lead the reader through the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of common and rare neonatal conditions

Practical Problems in Assisted Conception

Download Practical Problems in Assisted Conception PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1316645185
Total Pages : 235 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (166 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Practical Problems in Assisted Conception by : Ying Cheong

Download or read book Practical Problems in Assisted Conception written by Ying Cheong and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2018-09-20 with total page 235 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Practical and effective; this book supports challenging clinical and laboratory issues that the IVF practitioner faces all day, every day.

Management of Ectopic Pregnancy

Download Management of Ectopic Pregnancy PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Wiley-Blackwell
ISBN 13 : 9780632044696
Total Pages : 202 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (446 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Management of Ectopic Pregnancy by : Richard E. Leach

Download or read book Management of Ectopic Pregnancy written by Richard E. Leach and published by Wiley-Blackwell. This book was released on 2000-01-11 with total page 202 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume covers both the medical and surgical management of ectopic pregnancy. It provides the practitioner and trainee with both the diagnostic information and the therapeutic information that will help them treat this problem, which remains a leading cause of maternal mortality. This volume includes practical advice on treating ectopic pregnancy and provides clinical management tips that will help every practitioner and trainee.

Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance

Download Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1108498582
Total Pages : 255 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (84 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance by : Dmitry M. Kissin

Download or read book Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance written by Dmitry M. Kissin and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2019-07-04 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Offers a comprehensive guide to assisted reproductive technology surveillance, describing its history, global variations, and best practices.

Modern Medical Genetics and Genomics

Download Modern Medical Genetics and Genomics PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN 13 : 183968142X
Total Pages : 106 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (396 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Modern Medical Genetics and Genomics by : Israel Gomy

Download or read book Modern Medical Genetics and Genomics written by Israel Gomy and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2019-12-18 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The field of medical genetics and genomics has been constantly revolutionized by new breakthroughs, which bring more knowledge into the etiology and help improve the health care of individuals with either rare or common diseases. Nevertheless, as technologies evolve, novel challenges emerge, both technically and ethically, so they must be prudentially addressed. Among the myriad applications of genomics in medicine, this book depicts a glimpse of the advances achieved that have been leading us to the personalized/precision medicine era.

Best Practice in Labour and Delivery

Download Best Practice in Labour and Delivery PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1107472342
Total Pages : 429 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (74 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Best Practice in Labour and Delivery by : Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran

Download or read book Best Practice in Labour and Delivery written by Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2016-11-24 with total page 429 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In light of revised recommendations for intrapartum care, this updated edition reviews best practice in all aspects of labour and delivery.

Recurrent Implantation Failure

Download Recurrent Implantation Failure PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 331971967X
Total Pages : 221 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (197 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Recurrent Implantation Failure by : Jason M. Franasiak

Download or read book Recurrent Implantation Failure written by Jason M. Franasiak and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-04-03 with total page 221 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This unique text discusses the wide range of causes and pathophysiologic conditions contributing to recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and the current treatment approaches to best approach this challenging patient population. Beginning with a presentation of the mechanism of normal implantation, the physiologic synchrony between embryo and endometrium, and the roles of both gametes and embryos in RIF, the book then examines the various genetic, immune and environmental factors involved. Abnormalities of the hematologic and endocrine system, as well as those of the anatomy and microbiome, are described in detail. Last but no less important, the psychological stress and treatment of patients experiencing RIF is discussed. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) success has increased substantially over the past three decades. However, despite these advances, recurrent implantation failure is still a common issue confronting patients and clinicians, and RIF represents one of the greatest challenges in ART and remains a source of frustration and disappointment for patients, clinicians, and researchers involved in the process. Providing an in-depth investigation into the pathophysiology and biological mechanisms of RIF and its clinical management, this will be an excellent resource for reproductive endocrinologists and infertility specialists.

In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer in Primates

Download In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer in Primates PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 146122716X
Total Pages : 367 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (612 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer in Primates by : Don P. Wolf

Download or read book In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer in Primates written by Don P. Wolf and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 367 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is a genuine honor and a privilege of distinction to provide the foreword for the proceedings that follow. This marvelous symposium reflects the unique qualities of its two principal sponsors. Whenever the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center is involved in matters of science, we see a consistent record of exceptional quality in both the work is unequaled and the people who do it. Likewise, Serono Symposia, USA in assuring a world-class speakers' forum, utterly without taint of commercial influence. The proceedings published herein are a remarkable testimony, not only to the contributors, but to Drs. Brenner, Wolf, Stouffer, and Burnett, who have shepherded its conception, presentation, and publication. Readers will notice immediately one of the universal strengths of this total composition; that is, the diversity of investigational interests among attendees. Presentations on the core topic of primate in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer were joined by specialist presentations in related areas, including human-assisted reproductive technologies, reproductive physiology of the great apes, sperm biology, implantation mechanisms, cryobiology, coculture systems for embryogenesis, micromanipulation technologies, and genetic diagnosis of heritable diseases in the pre embryo. Even though pro-fertility issues understandably dominated this forum, there was significant attention given to fertility-control research, especially the role of primates in this endeavor (more on this subject below).

Endocrinology of Pregnancy

Download Endocrinology of Pregnancy PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1461218047
Total Pages : 579 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (612 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Endocrinology of Pregnancy by : Fuller W. Bazer

Download or read book Endocrinology of Pregnancy written by Fuller W. Bazer and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 579 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A comprehensive, cutting-edge review of the complex interactions between maternal and fetal-placental tissues that control the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, the proper development of the fetus, the birth process, and the behavioral aspects of bonding between mother and newborn. Expert researchers review the endocrine and physiological events that culminate in the delivery of offspring, and provide a solid base of comparative information on the menstrual cycle of primates, including humans. They also discuss the sources and functions of both steroid and protein hormones from the placenta and the details of their effects on uterine function, placental development, fetal growth and well-being, and maternal responses to pregnancy. This book will become the standard reference source not only for reproductive scientists, but also for those clinicians who want better to understand the complex factors that affect pregnancy-and their pregnant patients.