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Midwives magazine: Issue 6 :: 2011

Editors: Dot Stables and Jean Rankin
Publisher: Bailliere Tindall
Price: £39.99
ISBN: 9780702044762

Review by Jessica Cormack

This is the third edition of a textbook that is much used and recommended by the universities with midwifery degree and diploma courses.

The book is divided into sections, each one covering a period in pregnancy, starting from preconception and ending with the puerperium. At the beginning of each chapter there is a small summary of what will be covered and an introduction to it. There are few photos and the diagrams are simplistic but very clear. Each chapter is broken down into sub-headings making it easier to read and take in.

At the end of each chapter there is a chapter summary, followed by a reference list of all the quoted research, theories and findings, and a list of recommended reading. As a student midwife I have found these very helpful, especially when writing assignments and looking for more research on a chosen topic. The layout is clear and simple, making the desired information easy to access.

In respect to its former edition, this one is more up to date on the current debated topics, theories and research. What makes this edition more useful than its predecessor is that it comes with a website where (provided you register and install the necessary software) you can test yourself on more than 500 multiple choice questions, view a bank of illustrations and watch videos.

Overall, this textbook is well written, detailed and comprehensive, exhausting all the possible information for the required level. It also offers sources for more knowledge, should one wish to read more. I believe that this is a very helpful textbook with regards to physiology in pregnancy and is particularly useful for student midwives. I have personally found the second edition very helpful in my studies so far and am finding the newer edition even more so.