Obstetrics is evolving rapidly and finds itself today at the forefront of numerous developments. Providing selected updates on contemporary issues of basic research and clinical practice, as well as dealing with preconception, pregnancy, labor and postpartum, the present book guides the reader through the tough and complex decisions in the clinical management. Furthermore, it deepens the scientific understanding in the pathogenetic mechanisms implicated in pregnancy and motivates further research by providing evidence of the current knowledge and future perspectives in this field. Written by an international panel of distinguished authors who have produced stimulating articles, the multidisciplinary readers will find this book a valuable tool in the understanding of the maternal, placental and fetal interactions which are crucial for a successful pregnancy outcome.