During intrapartum obstetric care clinicians evaluate the fetal head position manually, either by abdominal or digital vaginal palpation. However, digital examination has been shown to be highly operator-dependent (subjective). Intrapartum ultrasound, on the other hand, seems to be reproducible and easy to learn. In crucial situations like obstructed labor, likely to require medical intervention, there really is a need for ultrasound assessment of birth progress and on the busy labor ward.

This is the first book devoted entirely to intrapartum ultrasound for the management of labor. Experts in the field present their own experiences and summarize the published state of the art. The use of intrapartum ultrasonography in evaluation of the first and second stages of labor and diagnosis of the occiput posterior and transverse positions is clearly documented. Each situation is analyzed with the help of informative images, and invaluable tips and tricks are provided, showing how fetal head engagement and progression can be documented objectively. The importance of ultrasound in obstetrics risk management is also addressed.

This book explains how intrapartum ultrasonography can be used to assess whether a safe natural delivery is likely or whether operative procedures are required. We hope it will be valuable for all professionals, physicians and midwifes alike, who care for labouring women.

Antonio Malvasi graduated in Medicine on October 13th 1983 with first class honours at the University of Bari. Specialized in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with honours at the School of Medicine, University of Bari, Italy, on 18 th October 1987. Specialized, in 1991, in Biochemical and Biophysical monitoring of the Foetus at the University of Bari, Italy. Senior Assistant of the Gynecology and Obstetric Department of 'Santa Maria' Hospital, Bari, Italy from June 1st 2002 till now. NESA diplomat and partner. Visiting Professor at Department of Gynecology and Obstetric, University of Perugia, Italy. Director from 2005 to 2008 of Drawing Medical School, at University 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy. Author of: 6 textbooks, more than of 90 paper published in high ranked journals, 30 Book' chapters. He has an impact factor of 150 and an h-factor of 10.