Hormones and Pregnancy: Basic Science and Clinical Implications

The endocrine and neuroendocrine system in pregnancy involves highly  complex maternal, fetal and placental mechanisms, which are critical for  the maintenance of pregnancy, the timing of parturition, for fetal  growth and protection from adverse fetal programming. This timely book  summarizes the different endocrine aspects related to pregnant women,  describing how hormones regulate physiological homeostasis and influence  the pathogenesis of disease. The first section of the book covers the  role of specific hormones in detail, including oxytocin, hCG and  estrogen. The second section discusses gestational disorders such as  diabetes, hypertensive disorders and preeclampsia and how the  involvement of hormones has clinical implications for management. Best  practice for management of endocrine disorders, which can negatively  impact pregnancy, such as thyroid disease and obesity, is also reviewed.  This book is essential for clinicians and scientists looking to gain  knowledge of the role of hormones in pregnancy and how they can best  support patients.