Abstract
The appropriate care of the pregnant woman and her fetus requires a thorough understanding of the science of medicine, the patient's needs, and the current social and medicolegal climate. Despite this effort, some newer concepts are not discussed -- i.e., parvovirus infection during pregnancy, the teratogenicity of valproic acid, ultrasonography (rather than amniocentesis) for assessing an elevated alpha-fetoprotein concentration, and zidovudine for treating human immunodeficiency virus infection. The chapters that discuss fetal distress, operative delivery, and neonatal morbidity all address the controversies about perinatal asphyxia, cerebral palsy, and neurobehavioral abnormalities that may affect obstetrical practice on a daily basis.