Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Management in Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Maternal-fetal medicine refers to a subdivision of medicine that aims to manage the health concerns of the fetus and mother before, during and after the delivery of the baby. It is concerned with taking care of pregnant women who are suffering from chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and kidney and heart disease. It also focuses on the clinical management of pregnancy-related complications, such as twin or triplet pregnancies, pre-eclampsia and preterm labor, along with women whose fetus is at risk. Congenital abnormalities, genetic diseases, maternal infections and diseases can pose a risk to the fetus. The occurrence of infections is common when a woman is pregnant, as the immune system is suppressed naturally. Maintenance of human pregnancy needs strictly regulated tolerance mechanisms and immune interactions, which comprise molecular, microvesicular and cellular transport of biological signaling and information between fetus and mother. Maternal-fetal medicine manages all the conditions related with pregnancy and helps in achieving better patient outcomes. This book unravels the recent studies in maternal-fetal medicine. It is appropriate for students and professionals seeking detailed information on the physiology, pathophysiology and clinical management in this area of medicine.