Focusing on optimising the normal biological processes of reproduction and early life, and in line with the NMC Future Midwives Standards, this comprehensive textbook introduces the fundamental anatomy and physiology knowledge needed for midwifery practice.

ForewordSection 1: The Foundations for Life 1.1: The Human Cell 1.2: Tissues 1.3: Homeostasis Section 2: Reproduction and Fetal Development 2.1: Mitosis and Meiosis2.2: Genetics, Genetic Disorders and Epigenetics2.3: Male and Female Reproductive Systems2.4: Reproduction and Embryology2.5: The Placenta and Developing FetusSection 3: Maternal Changes and Adaptations to PregnancyChapter 3.1: The Blood and Cardiovascular SystemChapter 3.2: The Respiratory SystemChapter 3.3: The Nervous SystemChapter 3.4: The Endocrine SystemChapter 3.5: The Musculoskeletal SystemChapter 3.6: The Renal SystemChapter 3.7: The Gastrointestinal SystemChapter 3.8: The Immune SystemSection 4: Labour and BirthChapter 4.1: The Maternal PelvisChapter 4.2: Physiology of First Stage of LabourChapter 4.3: The Physiology of the Second Stage of LabourChapter 4.4: The Fetus during LabourChapter 4.5: The Third Stage of LabourChapter 4.6: Pelvic Floor and PerineumChapter 4.7: Changes to Body Systems in Labour and BirthSection 5: The PuerperiumChapter 5.1: Maternal Postnatal PhysiologyChapter 5.2: The Transition from Fetal to Neonatal LifeSection 6: LactationChapter 6.1: The Constituents of BreastmilkChapter 6.2: The Anatomy of the Breast and the Physiology of LactationChapter 6.3: Supporting and Maintaining Breastfeeding