The First Twelve Weeks of Gestation, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1992

Leading workers in the field of human reproduction provide both basic knowledge and useful practical information in this book about the most critical phase in the development of a new human being: the first twelve weeks of life. The period from fertilization and implantation to the end of the first trimester is still insufficiently understood and marks a new frontier. The knowledge necessary for applying our present diagnostic capabilities and for venturing into the problematic areas of fertilization technology and embryonic treatment is made easily available in this comprehensive textbook. The book is divided into two parts. The first presents basic information about physiology, anatomy, in vivo investigations, biochemistry and legal aspects. The second part focuses on pregnancy development, monitoring and the clinical diagnosis and management of disorders in the early stages of life. A full section is devoted to assisted conception and the newest possibilities in fertilizationtechnologies, whereby the ethical aspects are also discussed.

Peri-implantation Events.- 1 Differentiation of the Trophoblast.- 2 The Endometrium and Implantation.- Anatomy and Physiology of Placental and Embryonic Development.- 3 Early Human Placental Morphology.- 4 Ultrasound Features of the Early Gestational Sac.- 5 Doppler Ultrasound Investigations of Pelvic Circulation During the Menstrual Cycle and Early Pregnancy.- 6 The Maternotrophoblastic Interface: Uteroplacental Blood Flow.- 7 Placental Biochemistry.- 8 Endocrinology of the Placenta and Embryo-placental Interaction.- 9 The Gestational Uterine Environment.- 10 Functional Aspects of Embryology.- 11 Morphology and Significance of the Human Yolk Sac.- Assisted Conception.- 12 Pregnancy Rate and First-Trimester Outcome Following Ovulation Induction.- 13 Implantation After Embryo Transfer.- 14 Artificial Endometrial Preparation for Implantation.- Failures of Placentation and Embryonic Development.- 15 Epidemiology and Etiology of Early Pregnancy Disorders.- 16 Morphology and Mechanisms of Abortion.- 17 Ectopic Sites of Placentation.- 18 Hydatidiform Mole and Related Disorders.- 19 Pathogenesis of Human Malformations.- Diagnostic Methods.- 20 Diagnosis of Abnormalities of Early Pregnancy by Measurement of Fetoplacental Products in Biological Fluids.- 21 Ultrasonography of Abnormal Early Pregnancy.- 22 Embryoscopy.- 23 Prenatal Diagnosis and Invasive Techniques in the First Trimester of Pregnancy.- Treatments.- 24 Medical Therapy.- 25 Surgical Therapy.- 26 Immunologic Therapy for Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion.- Future Guidelines.- 27 Human and Animal Models: Limitations and Comparisons.- 28 Classification of Abortion Material; Myth or Reality?.- 29 Should Early Pregnancy Dysfunction Be Treated or Adequately Diagnosed, Identified, and Prevented?.- 30 Theological Views on Assisted Reproductive Technologies.- 31 Extracorporeal Embryonic Development: Juridical Views.- 32 Medical Views on Assisted Procreation.- Epilogue.