Description The new edition of this market-leading textbook builds on the strengths of the previous edition. Completely updated and revised, it provides the most up-to-date perspectives and research on a complete range of the theoretical, practical, and background concepts with which modern midwives should be familiar. In addition, it offers numerous summary boxes and flowcharts and provides clear guidance on how to critically appraise valuable research. New to this Edition Anatomy and physiology chapters have been placed at the beginning of the book. Two new chapters - Exercises for Pregnancy, Labour and the Puerperium and Childbirth. More emphasis has been placed on the puerperium, presenting the mother and midwife as partners in determining postnatal care. Discusses the new midwifery regulatory body, examining changes in legislation from a practical perspective. The chapter on antenatal investigations examines the dilemmas faced by potential parents and the challenges that adverse outcomes present to the midwife. Includes a color plate section with over 40 full-color photographs. Includes 160 new two-color line illustrations. Offers "critical appraisal" boxes related to recent research.