Maternity Care in Developing Countries

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This book has been written for anyone who wishes to practice better obstetrics and to care for mothers in developing countries, with sometimes limited resources. The basic principles contained in standard textbooks of obstetrics are universally applicable. However, many clinical conditions that are common in Africa, Asia and the tropical parts of South America receive only brief mention in these books and the advanced pathology resulting from delay in seeking treatment is not covered. This book is therefore intended as a complement to the standard texts available, not as a substitute.

The organisation of maternity care is discussed, including the role and training of doctors and paramedical workers. Epidemiological considerations also receive due attention in the hope that readers will be stimulated to view their local problems in a world perspective.

Throughout the book, the preventability of most of the serious clinical problems that besiege the doctor in low-income countries is stressed. Although disastrous complication such as rupture of the uterus, anaemic heart failure in pregnancy and vesicovaginal fistulae have to be treated when they occur, their elimination is a challenge, which is not neglected here.

Most readers will be familiar with the textbook edited by JB Lawson and DB Stewart entitled Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Tropics and Developing Countries. Published in 1967, it met a great need and remained in print in the English Language Book Society paperback version until 1991. Before then, parts of it had become outdated, the Safe Motherhood Initiative had begun and there was reawakened inspiration and impetus for better maternal health, which continues worldwide. These developments called for a radical revision of Lawson and Stewart’s masterpiece: the result is this book.

Reduced from £26.00 retail price/£19.50 RCOG members price