"This definitive sourcebook, now in its expanded second edition, contains all the essential information a woman needs to know about her pregnancy. Created by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the country's most prestigious organization of physicians dedicated to improving women's health care, Planning Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond provides women with the most up-to-date, scientifically accurate information about preconception, prenatal, and postpartum care. It covers every aspect of pregnancy and birth, including those that relate to special needs or problems: What to do before you get pregnant to improve your chances of having a healthy baby; recommendations for prenatal care, testing, and counseling; what to expect month-by-month during your pregnancy; new illustrations of month-by-month fetal development; vital information about all risk factors, warning signs, and complications; a step-by-step guide to each stage of labor and delivery; important facts to know about your newborn; reassuring advice on what happens to you after your baby is born; an update on the new technology for genetic disorders; expanded sections on prenatal and postpartum exercises; and more." "This one-of-a-kind resource, designed to encourage a woman's active, informed participation in her health care and pregnancy, answers virtually every question she might have during this important time in her life. Special features include a personal diary to chart a pregnancy's progress, a glossary of medical terms, and dozens of detailed illustrations to clarify information." "Compiled by the nation's most trusted authority on women's health care, and representing the collective wisdom and experience of leading experts in the field, this outstanding reference has already guided more than 200,000 parents-to-be through pregnancy and birth."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved