Description

This encyclopedia, compiled by a medical writer, “deals with the language of childbirth that is often reserved for obstetrical professionals.” The 800 entries are arranged alphabetically, with thorough definitions/explanations given in language understandable to the educated lay reader. Each entry is cross-referenced to related topics. While some terms (such as cystitis ) seem unrelated to pregnancy, their revelance to pregnancy is made clear.

The subject index serves as a guide to main entries on large topics such as “Labor and Delivery,” in which all terms related to that topic are listed. Giving the pronunciation of some of the terms would have been helpful. By taking a very complex subject and making the terms used within that field more understandable to the lay reader, the compiler has provided a valuable addition to consumer health/patient education collections. — Mary J. Jarvis, Methodist Hosp. Medical Lib., Lubbock, Tex.