The discipline of obstetrics and gynecology is changing rapidly. It is changing in respect of science and technology (IVF, minimally invasive surgery) and of ethics (termination, genetics, and reproductive technology). The training for the young specialist adapts to these changes. Sadly, however, the old fashioned division of mind from body continues. Words like "holistic" and "psychosomatic" are dismissed, and those responsible for training in the UK persist in refusing to accommodate psychological modules in the training process. This book attempts to address and redress this imbalance. Failure to understand the psychological aspects of a patients presentation leave the doctor feeling vulnerable and inadequate, searching for the right thing to say, avoiding that patient in future with subsequent poor care.

This book, by providing the background knowledge, empowers the obstetrician/gynecologist to be in the key coordinating role, and to communicate effectively with all parties and other health workers who may need to be involved in psychological care. This book meets the needs of doctors that are not covered by their training (e.g. a chapter on "Communication Skills. What you can do in 15 minutes", chapter on "Coping and Adjustment in Pregnancy": Giving Babies a Better Start, and chapter on "Communicating with Cancer Patients")

Chapters are written by experts in widely differing areas, and show how to use the consultation to maximum benefit for the patient and doctor. Easy-to-read with stand-alone chapters, this book covers key aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, and addresses areas that are not covered in other texts. The book is relevant to all stages of obstetric and gynecological practice - from trainees to consultants (and some lay interest).