Ian Donald’s Practical Obstetric Problems 2020

* High-quality color printing
* Same content as the original book
* Affordable alternative for personal reading
⚠️ Not an officially licensed or publisher-issued edition

The thought that came to my mind when I started working on this edition was, “Do we really still need
a book? Why would someone want to read a book when all kind of scientific material is available freely
on the internet?” But, after pondering on these questions a bit more, the answer was apparent. The
very nature of information on the internet is what makes this book invaluable in this day and age. With
a deluge of information on the internet—from sources both authentic and inauthentic— it is hard for
students and especially for busy practitioners to filter out meaningful and trustworthy information.
That is the void that this book aims to fill, providing comprehensive, vetted information and up-todate clinical practices.
With medical science rapidly evolving, almost all chapters have something new to offer. Guidelines
have changed, theories and practices have changed and newer treatment modalities are emerging. A
welcome change in pregnancy is moving from invasive techniques to more conservative management
strategies. Fetal cells can be identified in maternal blood for genetic analysis, and ultrasound is
providing much more detailed and reliable information to diagnose and monitor intrauterine fetal
problems.
The age old labor norms have changed, recognizing that the pregnant population is now very
different, with women being older, heavier and increasingly sedentary. And so, the chapter on labor
has seen a major revision after a long time. With the ever-increasing incidence of cesarean births
raising serious concerns worldwide, the issue has been addressed head-on and the strategies to
reduce cesarean deliveries are discussed.
To reiterate what I have always believed, and as the name of the book suggests, my focus has been
on practical issues, and how to use our scientific knowledge to provide what is best for the patient.
Knowing all the theories in the world is pointless if one does not know how to treat a patient. And
above all, I have strived to reinforce that pregnancy is a physiological condition, and that at times,
doing nothing may be the best intervention.
I would like to thank my authors and co-authors who have put in great effort despite their busy
clinical schedules. I also take this opportunity to thank the Wolters Kluwer India (WKI) team,
particularly Vallika Katragadda, Consultant, who has supported me throughout this journey. She has
painfully read every word of the book, made corrections, given constructive suggestions, and most of
all has been patient with me. I must also put on record my appreciation and gratitude for Megha Saini,
Production Editor. There are a number of other people, friends, and family, who have constantly
helped me, I would like to say thank you all.
I dedicate this book to All Those Who Have Craving For Knowledge.
Renu Misr