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.