The New Pregnancy And Childbirth: Choices And Challenges

First published in 1980, this bestselling book was hailed as an instant classic. Now completely revised and updated, this latest edition provides intelligent and reassuring advice to help all expectant parents to make informed choices. Author Sheila Kitzinger is a childbirth educator, international lecturer, a mother of five, a social anthropologist and a birth educator. As a writer, she is in tune with all the latest technological, medical and social developments, and with their possible effects.

With authoritative guidance on everything from the first signs of pregnancy to post-natal exercises, Sheila explains the physical and emotional changes that occur in pregnancy. A week-by-week pregnancy diary shows you what to expect and when, and there is essential information on everything from screenings to coping with labour to sex during and after pregnancy.

Examining the latest trends in pregnancy and birth, the book looks at the recent boom in elective Caesareans, and also evaluates a range of now common medical procedures and tests.