This book is written with both degree and diploma student midwives in mind. It is split into two sections, each alphabetical. The first section contains some of the language of midwifery: terms, abbreviations and definitions. The second section contains common conditions, procedures, emergency situations, and supporting information. Each topic includes further factors that involve recognition, prevention, and actions to take in an emergency situation that may be in the form of flow/action charts. The procedures that are included have an overview of the 'how to', (frequently including the preparation needed); and the 'why', supported by research or evidence, and Midwives rules and standards (NMC 2004b) and The NMC code of professional conduct: standards for conduct, performance and ethics (NMC 2004a). The references used provide useful evidence to support practice. Finally, the supporting information is varied and ranges from details about Government and international initiatives to available support groups and useful websites.

This book is written with both degree and diploma student midwives in mind. It is split into two sections, each alphabetical. The first section contains some of the language of midwifery: terms, abbreviations and definitions. The second section contains common conditions, procedures, emergency situations, and supporting information. Each topic includes further factors that involve recognition, prevention, and actions to take in an emergency situation that may be in the form of flow/action charts. The procedures that are included have an overview of the 'how to', (frequently including the preparation needed); and the 'why', supported by research or evidence, and Midwives' rules and standards (NMC 2004b) and The NMC code of professional conduct: standards for conduct, performance and ethics (NMC 2004a). The references used provide useful evidence to support practice. Finally, the supporting information is varied and ranges from details about Government and international initiatives to available support groups and useful websites.

About the authors ixForeword, by Dame Lorna Muirhead, DBE, President of the Royal College of Midwives 1997-2004 xPreface xiSection 1 The Language of MidwiferyTerms, abbreviations, definitions 1Section 2 Quick Reference TopicsConditions, procedures, emergency situations, supporting information, e.g. voluntary organisations 20Figures Flow / action charts1 Antepartum haemorrhage 312 Neonatal resuscitation 383.1 Cord prolapse - presentation at home 703.2 Cord prolapse - presentation in hospital 714 Apgar score 805.1 Management of third stage of labour - physiological and active 825.2 Management of third stage of labour - alternative active management 836 Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) 957 Eclampsia 978 Genetic inheritance, e.g. PKU 1639 Post-partum haemorrhage - primary 17810 Post-partum haemorrhage - secondary 17911.1 Retained placenta - at home 20211.2 Retained placenta - in hospital 20312 Shoulder dystocia 20813 Uterine inversion 22914 Uterine rupture 231Diagrams1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Delivery of occipito-posterior position 84-852.1, 2.2, 2.3 Delivery of face presentation 86-873.1 Normal haemoglobin composition 1103.2.1, 3.2.2 Normal adult haemoglobins 1103.3 Normal fetal haemoglobin 1103.4.1, 3.4.2 Sickle cell haemoglobins 1113.5.1, 3.5.2 Alpha thalassaemia 1133.6.1, 3.6.2 Beta thalassaemia 1144 Heel prick sites 1185.1 to 5.9 Placenta types 166-1706 Stations of the head in the pelvis 233References 237