Preterm birth : a handbook for midwives

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Why midwives need to know about preterm birth -- Causes of spontaneous preterm birth -- Risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth -- Specialist care for the woman at risk -- Interventions to prevent spontaneous preterm birth -- Interventions to reduce risk of neonatal mortality and morbidities -- Care of the woman in threatened preterm labour -- Care of the woman in hospital and preparation for preterm birth -- What the future may hold for preterm birth prediction and prevention.

Preterm birth is significant cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, with a devastating impact on families. This essential guide introduces the knowledge that midwives require for practice, drawing together the most up-to-date research and identifying care pathways. Preterm Birth: A Handbook for Midwives presents the latest evidence, discussing the causes and consequences of preterm birth. It describes what preterm birth is, explores the risk factors and causes, explains monitoring methods, and presents interventions for reducing the risk of preterm birth itself as well as interventions for managing its consequences. Women's voices are heard throughout as they describe their experiences in their own words, and each substantive chapter includes recommendations for practice. Compact and accessible, this practical guide is an indispensable handbook, enabling student and qualified midwives to care confidently for women at risk of preterm birth.