Prenatal and Postnatal Health: A Woman-Centered Approach

Pregnancy presents substantial health risks. Inspite of advances in obstetrics and gynecology, maternal mortality remains a major problem. Obstructed labor, hemorrhage, sepsis, eclampsia, and unskilled abortion are some of the causes of maternal deaths. Good medical care is vital for improving pregnancy outcomes. Prenatal care along with prenatal screening and diagnosis are vital for minimizing the risks of maternal death, miscarriages, neonatal infections, birth defects, etc. The mother should receive necessary immunizations and prenatal nutrition. The psychological health of the mother is also of utmost importance. Several psychological disorders may emerge during the postpartum period, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, postpartum depression and puerperal psychosis. The early diagnosis and management of these are vital both for the mother and child. This book presents a woman-centered approach to prenatal and postnatal health. While understanding the long-term perspectives of the topics, the book makes an effort in highlighting their impacts in reducing maternal mortality across the globe. For all those who are interested in obstetrics, this book can prove to be an essential guide.